Raise the Bar Functional Behaviour Assessment Services

Comprehensive Functional Behaviour Assessments

At Raise the Bar Clinic, we provide expert Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA) for children, teens, and adults. Whether you are looking to understand the root causes of behaviours of concern, reduce distress, or support a participant with complex needs, an FBA provides the structural data required to make informed, life-changing decisions. We help families, schools, and support networks move away from guesswork and toward positive, evidence-based understanding.

Clarity Through Expert Assessment

A Functional Behaviour Assessment is often recommended for individuals with complex support needs, including those with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, developmental delays, acquired brain injuries, or other neurological or psychological conditions. It can also be beneficial when behaviours are impacting learning, relationships, community participation, safety, or quality of life.

Our goal is to help families and support teams move beyond managing behaviours in the moment. Instead, we focus on building a deeper understanding of why behaviours occur so that meaningful, long-term supports can be put in place. By replacing guesswork with evidence-based insights, we empower participants and their support networks to improve wellbeing, increase independence, and create positive, lasting change.

What We Do

Functional Behaviour Analysis (FBA): Investigating the "why" behind behaviours of concern by identifying environmental triggers, underlying communication needs, and the purpose (function) the behaviour serves.
School & Classroom Environment Profiling: Assessing how school routines, classroom layouts, sensory demands, and peer dynamics contribute to student distress, disengagement, or behavioural escalation.
Restrictive Practice Reviews: Conducting ethical and objective evaluations to safely reduce and eliminate the need for restrictive practices in alignment with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission guidelines.
Comprehensive Educational & NDIS Reports: Providing formal, data-driven reports required for NDIS plan reviews, individual education plans (IEPs), school funding applications, and student support groups.

Why Choose Us?

Our Approach to Care

We strive to improve the wellbeing and educational outcomes of individuals who may think and process the world a little differently to their peers.

We improve outcomes for individuals with learning and developmental differences by supporting families and schools to nuture positive relationships, create neuroaffirming environments and provide effective educational adjustments.

Speech therapy assessments provide insight into receptive and expressive language development, communication preferences and needs, and literacy skills across reading and writing.

Functional Behaviour Assessment Process

A comprehensive Functional Behaviour Assessment can uncover the underlying reasons behind behaviours of concern, identify the environmental, emotional, sensory, or communication factors influencing those behaviours, and provide a clearer understanding of how an individual interacts with the people and environments around them.

At a minimum, it provides valuable insights to help reduce behaviours of concern, improve quality of life, build on individual strengths, and identify the supports, strategies, environmental adjustments, or Positive Behaviour Support approaches that promote safer, more meaningful participation at home, school, work, and in the community.

Step 1 : Intake

We listen to your concerns, functional goals, and history to design a tailored assessment plan.

Step 2 : Assessment

Using gold-standard standardised tools, clinical observations, and structured interviews.

Step 3 : Report

Providing a comprehensive, evidence-based report with practical, tailored recommendations.

Step 4 : Feedback

A dedicated session to guide you through the results, next steps, and ongoing therapeutic support.

Step 5: Post-Assessment Supports

Our post-assessment sessions are designed to reduce overwhelm and help guide families and schools on important next steps post assessment.

Step 6: Ongoing Home & School Partnership

We love being able to continue supporting clients, families and schools through key milestones such as school transitions, and provide updated recommendations for educational adjustments and exam provisions throughout formal schooling and beyond.

Book Your Assessment

A comprehensive assessment is the first step to getting the support you or your child needs to thrive.

We’re here to guide you through every phase of the process.

FAQs about Functional Behaviour Assessment Services in Melbourne

What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)?

A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) is a structured assessment that helps identify the reasons behind behaviours of concern. Rather than simply focusing on the behaviour itself, an FBA examines what may be triggering or maintaining the behaviour and identifies practical strategies to support positive, meaningful change.

Who can benefit from a Functional Behaviour Assessment?

An FBA can benefit children, adolescents, and adults who display behaviours that impact their safety, learning, relationships, independence, or participation in everyday life. It is commonly recommended for individuals with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, developmental delays, acquired brain injury, or other complex support needs, but it can also be valuable for anyone experiencing persistent behavioural challenges.

What happens during a Functional Behaviour Assessment?

The assessment typically involves gathering information from multiple sources, including interviews with the participant and their support network, observations across relevant environments, review of existing reports, and analysis of behavioural patterns. This comprehensive approach helps build a clear understanding of why behaviours occur and what supports are likely to be most effective.

What will I receive after the assessment?

Following the assessment, you will receive a detailed report outlining the findings, the identified function of the behaviours, and practical recommendations. These may include environmental adjustments, communication supports, skill development strategies, proactive interventions, and Positive Behaviour Support recommendations tailored to the individual’s needs.

Can a Functional Behaviour Assessment support NDIS funding and Positive Behaviour Support?

Yes. A Functional Behaviour Assessment is often an important component of Positive Behaviour Support and may be used to inform behaviour support planning within the NDIS. The assessment provides evidence-based information that can assist participants, families, support coordinators, and allied health professionals in developing appropriate supports.

How long does a Functional Behaviour Assessment take?

The timeframe varies depending on the individual’s needs and the complexity of the behaviours being assessed. Because information is collected from multiple sources and settings where appropriate, the assessment process may take several weeks to ensure the recommendations are thorough, individualised, and evidence-based.

Do family members, schools, or support workers need to be involved?

In most cases, yes. Input from parents, carers, teachers, support workers, and other professionals provides valuable information about how behaviours occur across different environments. This collaborative approach helps ensure recommendations are practical, consistent, and effective across everyday settings.