Clinical application of functional analysis methodology

Behav Anal Pract. 2008 Spring;1(1):3-9. doi: 10.1007/BF03391714.

Abstract

Functional analysis (FA) methodology is a well-established standard for assessment in applied behavior analysis research. Although used less commonly in clinical (nonresearch) application, the basic components of an FA can be adapted easily in many situations to facilitate the treatment of problem behavior. This article describes practical aspects of FA methodology and suggests ways that it can be incorporated into routine clinical work.