PBS Together

PBS Essentials

Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

Learn to conduct a four-term contingency analysis and a six-step Functional Behaviour Assessment process to identify functional determinants of behaviour, to develop person-centred, context-specific support plans.
"I thought it was a great course. I've done previous courses in FBA and found the way
this course was delivered allowed me to fully grasp the concepts!"

K. B.

"I wish I did this course 12 months ago to develop a more effective way to compile the information. It will certainly make writing the clinical impression easier (and probably more accurate!) in the future."

K. R.

"An absolute wealth of knowledge. Mad everyone feel very comfortable across all
levels of skill and expertise. Thank you!"

K. B.

Effective Assessment, Meaningful Action

A critical part of our role as behaviour support practitioners is to identify and adjust the contextual factors contributing to distressing behaviours.

However, before we can make meaningful changes, we must first understand the extent and causes of the problem context. Only then are we in a position to set clear, evidence-based goals to address it.

How do we do this? By undertaking an evidence-based Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA).

How do I know if I am doing FBA effectively?

An FBA is much more than a simple questionnaire or a brief observation. It is a systematic, evidence-based process that requires time, skill, and the right tools.

Yet, many practitioners receive little to no feedback on their FBAs and are unsure what qualifies as a high-quality assessment. 

That’s why PBS Together has developed a comprehensive
self-paced course featuring:

of content + resources

FBA skills

designed to enhance your expertise

What's included?

Course Highlights

  • Updated content
  • Interactive activities
  • Self-paced course
  • Behaviour-based design
  • Certification of completion

From Concepts to Application

You will learn everything from foundational concepts to how to apply these ideas in the functional assessment of behaviour across different situations.

Conducting FBA in Six-Step

You will learn how behaviour works through contingencies, context, and consequences, and then apply a six-step process to conduct Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA).

What You’ll Learn

Learn what FBA is, why it matters and how it informs effective PBS practice.


Learn PBS Together’s 6-Step FBA Process:
1) Identify problem contexts
  • Using various assessment tools you will learn the steps to uncover what the problem context might be.
  • Identify the impact of the problem context.

2) Set up effective data systems
  • Characterise effective data systems.
  • Characterise data collection that provides valuable information.
  • Characterise data systems that match the capacity of the support team.

3) Analyze the data
  • Understanding how to analyse various types of data.
  • What to look for, how to make sense of patterns and triggers.

4) Formulate an evidence-based hypothesis
  • Understanding the problem context and how it is most likely being maintained.
5) Develop a comprehensive FBA report
  • Identify key components of an evidenced-based FBA, what is included and why.
  • Develop an FBA using the provided case study and template.

6) Self-assess the quality of your FBA
  • Assess your FBA against set criteria for an evidenced-based FBA.

Practical Strategies
for Effective FBAs

Learn practical skills through hands-on activities.
Explore a variety of proven tools and frameworks designed to enhance efficiency and drive meaningful results.
Assess and refine your own FBA to ensure clear definitions, strong evidence, and measurable, socially significant goals.

Meet Your Instructors

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John Wooderson

John is the Regional Head of Service Quality and Performance at the Lojic Institute. He has qualifications in education including a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Queensland and is pursuing a PhD with the University of Technology Sydney.

John has experience working as a Behaviour Support Practitioner across different service providers. He has extensive clinical experience designing and implementing positive behavioural interventions. 
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Tracey Lawson

Tracey brings over 30 years of experience working with children and families, specialising as a Behaviour Support Practitioner for autistic children. Her qualifications span psychology, counselling, behavioural science, and family dispute resolution. Tracey is an author of a series of children’s books, an international speaker, clinical supervisor, and university lecturer.

She has developed a variety of support programs for First Nation families, parents of children with complex disabilities, and for children whose parents live with a chronic mental health diagnosis. As a parent of five adult children and a grandmother of nine, she is deeply passionate about closing the growing gap in access to the practical support families need.
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Helder Gusso

Dr. Gusso holds a bachelor's, master's, and PhD in Psychology, with over 17 years of experience training psychologists and behaviour analysts. He is a researcher in Education, with extensive publications on applying Behavioural Sciences to promote meaningful learning experiences. A leader in Behaviour Analysis in Brazil, recognised as an Honorary Accredited Behaviour Analyst by the Brazilian Association for Behavioural Sciences (ABPMC).

He, also, continues to supervise thesis in the Psychology Postgraduate School at the Federal University of Santa Catarina and coordinates OPERANDA, a scientific education platform. In 2023, after receiving a Global Talent visa for his work in educational technologies and a sabbatical year, he moved with his family to Australia and became the Head of Educational Technology at PBS Together, where he leads the instructional design of courses and activities.

Are you ready to take your FBA skills to the next level?

You will not only learn the skills you need, but also be provided with evidence-based tools and the opportunity to put your learning into practice through real-life case studies.

This course is designed to elevate your practice and provide the skills needed to conduct high-quality FBAs with confidence.
COURSE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Meet our team

In addition to the course instructors, many professionals worked on the design and development of this course. Check it out:
You won’t want to miss this
Ready to transform the way support behaviour?
Start building confident, evidence-based assessment skills today!