Essential Video
In this video, Dr. Steve Noone introduces the concept of challenging behaviour and discusses its meaning within the context of services for people with intellectual disabilities. He also outlines the goals of a functional assessment:
Essential Video
This video from Neurodiversopedia introduces Functional Analysis (FA) — a special form of functional assessment that systematically simulates the conditions under which behaviours that challenge occur in order to identify which types of antecedents and consequences (e.g., attention, escape, tangibles, automatic/sensory) influence a specific behaviour. Understanding FA helps teams design safer, more effective, reinforcement-based supports.
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot. This will reinforce your understanding of the definitions, examples, and concepts introduced by Dr. Noone and the FA overview:
Click for instructions on accessing and using FRED
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or open FRED directly here.
If you haven’t already, read this guide to get the most from your learning conversation with FRED.
Reflection Exercise
After watching the videos and completing the conversation exercise, reflect on your learning using the prompts below. Your reflection should be:
- Between 100 and 500 words
- Written in your preferred language
- Expressed in your own words — do not copy text from chatbots, websites, or this course
Click to view Reflection Prompts & Example
Reflection Prompts (use one or more):
- Summarise Key Concepts: What is challenging behaviour and why is it described as relational?
- Define in Your Own Words: How would you explain the role of functional assessment and functional analysis to a new staff member?
- Importance and Connections: What kinds of life outcomes can be affected by challenging behaviour?
- Practical Applications: How might your organisation reduce the use of restrictive practices using functional assessment/analysis?
- Insights: Did anything about the videos change how you think about challenging behaviour?
Example Reflection:
I used to think of challenging behaviour as something within the person. I now understand it’s more accurate to think of it as relational — meaning it becomes “challenging” because of how the environment or people respond to it. Dr. Noone’s point that behaviour serves a function helped me to understand why behaviour analysts look at setting events, triggers and consequences. I hadn’t realised that many restrictive practices stem from misunderstanding the reasons behind a behaviour. Seeing how functional analysis simulates conditions to identify controlling variables clarified why careful assessment matters before planning support. It’s not just about data; it’s about reducing harm and improving lives.
When you’re ready, submit your reflection below:
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