ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the tools for analysing the functions of problem behaviour and identifying new adaptive behaviour, and the process of developing a case analysis to share with a parent or parents. It provides a framework for identifying possible functions and summarises in the functional assessment checklist. The information from the “Things general practitioners child can do” assessment is helpful in identifying the child’s developmental level and likely short-term achievable targets. The assessment phase has been helping parents to become more accurate in their observation of their children’s behaviour, and their motivation to support their child is clearly evidenced by their willingness to work with practitioners on a programme. The information gathered during the assessment phase provides evidence about parental cognitions or understandings about their child’s behaviour and also about how realistic their expectations are. Many parents of children with challenging behaviour do a great job meeting their children’s needs, despite environmental stresses.
