Functional Assessment and Comprehensive Early Intervention

Functional assessment has been shown to be an essential tool in developing effective behavior support plans for young children with challenging behavior. Such plans have been effective not only in reducing problem behavior and improving socially appropriate behavior, but also in preventing the development of further, more severe, problem behavior. The purpose of this article is to outline a process for conducting comprehensive early intervention based on a comprehensive assessment process that includes functional assessment. A case example is presented to further illustrate this process. Additional elements essential to the process, including family involvement, collaborative teaming, and implementing intervention in multiple environments, are discussed.