Functional Behaviour Assessment- ABC and STAR Charts

When carrying out a Functional Behaviour Assessment, it is important to:

• Observe the person.
• Collect  data by recording and documenting what occurs at the time of the behaviour.

This enables you to determining the function of the behaviour. 

Behaviour specialists often gather information about what happens before, during and after the behaviour has occurred.  The tools used are simple. 
 
Completing a functional behaviour assessment may involve completing:

• A-B-C Chart    Antecedent,  Behaviour,  Consequence - or a
• STAR Chart     Setting, Trigger, Action, Result.

Further information about the importance of a functional behaviour assessment can be found on the Office of the Senior Practitioner website.  
 
You can refer to:

Getting it Right from the Start: The value of good assessment:

• Positive Solutions in Practice - Getting it Right from the Start: Star chart form (Word 25KB) 
• Positive Solutions in Practice - Getting it Right from the Start: Functional behaviour assessment form (Word 52KB)

You can also refer to the following training manual:

Positive Behaviour Support: Getting it Right from the Start: Facilitator's reference manual (2009)