Ep. 32: Mastering Initial Interviews in FBA – Part 2 of our Mini-Series

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

In this episode of the Misfit Behaviorists podcast, Audra and Sami dive into the second step of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process—conducting initial interviews. They discuss how to approach interviews with parents, teachers, and even the student, while maintaining a neutral, empathetic, and objective stance. By focusing on building trust, gathering comprehensive insights, and respecting confidentiality, this episode provides valuable tips for BCBAs looking to gather meaningful information and set the stage for effective behavior plans.
Key Points:
- Approaching interviews with empathy and neutrality, without undermining past communications.
- Importance of sitting “on the parent’s side of the table” to build trust.
- Tips for involving students in the process and teaching self-advocacy.
- Navigating sensitive information shared by parents and deciding what to document.
- Gathering insights from multiple sources (parents, teachers, students) to see the full picture.
- Reviewing past files, medical history, and academic records to contextualize behavior.
- Importance of remaining nonjudgmental, flexible, and objective throughout the process.
- The significance of respecting confidentiality and adhering to ethical guidelines.
Helpful Resources:

• FBA Interviews Forms
• FBA Template bundle of resources

Tune in next week as Audra and Sami explore the next step in the FBA process: Conducting Direct Observations!
Or go back to last week where they talked about the Referral Process.

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👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

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