Recent Developments in Functional Assessment: Implications for School Counselors and Psychologists

Abstract

New developments in the technology of behavioral assessment call for a different approach to consultation with teachers in the resolution of serious behavior problems. A "cookbook" approach based on the teacher's description of the student's actions is no longer recommended. Instead, it is necessary to conduct an individual functional assessment of the events that predict and maintain the challenging behavior, and to identify the contextual factors that are relevant to effective behavioral support. Although this approach requires more work initially than the traditional topography-only assessment, it is worthwhile because functional assessment increases the probability that the intervention will be effective.