Practical Functional Assessment & Skill-Based Treatment in Victoria

Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow

At Solongo Early Intervention, we understand how challenging it can be when behaviours of concern affect family life, school, or social situations. Every child deserves the chance to feel safe, understood, and supported. That’s why we use gentle, evidence-based approaches to uncover the reasons behind behaviour and to teach children practical skills that make everyday life easier.

Through methods such as Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment(SBT), we help children build confidence, communicate their needs more effectively, manage emotions, and thrive at home, in the classroom, and within the community.

Why Functional Behaviour Support Matters

Challenging behaviours often occur for a reason. A child may struggle to ask for help, express their feelings, or cope with changes in routine. Behaviours such as aggression, self-injury, or withdrawal can be distressing for the child and their family.

That’s where practical functional analysis makes a difference. By understanding the “why” behind the behaviour, we can create safe, positive, and practical strategies that improve daily life. 

Child drawing a picture of a sad family scene during an art therapy session
Child holding a round green happy face mask in front of their face

What Is a Practical Functional Assessment?

Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow

A Practical Functional Assessment, also known as a Practical Functional Analysis, is a process that helps us learn what triggers a child’s behaviour and what outcomes maintain it. Instead of making assumptions, we observe, interact with, and gather information from parents, teachers, and caregivers to form a clear picture.

Through PFA, we can answer important questions like:

  • What situations are most challenging for your child?
  • What is your child trying to achieve with their behaviour? (e.g., escape, attention, or access to something important)
  • How can we support them to meet these needs in a safer, more positive way?

Functional Behaviour Assessment in Victoria

Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow
Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow

In Victoria, families can access functional behaviour assessments through NDIS providers, therapy services, and specialist clinics. At Solongo Early Intervention, we take the time to understand each child’s unique situation, working closely with parents, teachers, and carers to ensure the strategies we create are practical and sustainable.

When you choose our service for a functional behaviour assessment, you can expect:

  • Evidence-based practice, guided by the latest research in behaviour science.
  • Family involvement, where parents and carers are active partners in the process.
  • Safe and respectful treatment so your child’s dignity and wellbeing always come first.
  • Clear communication where every step is explained so you feel confident and supported.
  • Practical strategies designed for the settings that matter most, from home routines to school and community activities.
Colorful wooden puzzle pieces arranged on a flat surface with one yellow piece separated
Group of children sitting in a circle on green grass playing a hand game together

Skill-Based Treatment: Teaching New Skills

Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow
Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow

Once we understand why behaviours occur, we introduce Skill-Based Treatment (SBT). This approach focuses on teaching children safe, functional alternatives that meet the same needs as the challenging behaviour.

For example, instead of acting out to escape a difficult task, a child may learn to:

  • Ask for a break
  • Request help
  • Use words, gestures, or communication devices to express themselves

SBT is positive and empowering. Children are taught step by step, with lots of encouragement, until new skills become second nature. Families often notice not only a reduction in challenging behaviours but also an increase in confidence, independence, and happiness.

Why This Approach Works

Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow
Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow

The combination of practical functional assessment and skill-based treatment provides meaningful support for both children and their families. By focusing on the reasons behind behaviours and teaching practical alternatives, these approaches create safer environments where children are less likely to engage in actions that put themselves or others at risk.

As children learn new ways to express their needs (whether through words, gestures, or communication devices), communication becomes clearer and frustrations decrease. This not only strengthens relationships at home but also helps children participate more fully in school, friendships, and community life. 

Families often notice a significant reduction in stress as they gain practical strategies that work in everyday settings, making daily routines smoother and more enjoyable.

Child playing with a wooden abacus while sitting on a soft carpet
Group of children sitting in a circle on green grass playing a hand game together

Who Can Benefit From Our Practical Functional Assessment?

Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow
Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow

Our services support children and young people with a wide range of needs, including those with:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Developmental delays
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Behavioural or emotional challenges

Alongside functional behaviour support, families can also access a wide range of evidence-based services, including Autism Assessment, Positive Behaviour Support Plan, ESDM Therapy, Early Intervention Parent Coaching, Play Based Therapy, Social Skills Group, and Autism Early Intervention at Home

Each of our services is designed to give families the right tools and strategies to support their child’s unique journey. 

Take the Next Step With a Practical Functional Assessment

If your child is showing behaviours that impact their learning, relationships, or daily life, early support can make a big difference. Our team is here to provide practical, functional assessments and skill-based interventions that help children grow, thrive, and enjoy the moments that matter.

Contact Solongo Early Intervention today to learn more about how we can help your child with a functional behaviour assessment in Victoria. Together, we can discover the pathways available to build safer behaviours, stronger skills, and brighter futures.

Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow
Autism awareness wreath made of colorful puzzle pieces in blue, red, and yellow

Frequently Asked Questions

A Practical Functional Assessment helps identify why a child engages in certain behaviours by looking at triggers and outcomes. Instead of assumptions, safe, evidence-based methods are used to understand the “why.” This guides strategies that reduce challenging behaviours and build safer, more effective ways of communicating needs.

Children and young people with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, or behavioural challenges may benefit. Families seeking respectful, practical solutions often find these approaches helpful. 

In Victoria, functional behaviour assessments are available through NDIS providers, therapy services, and clinics like Solongo Early Intervention. The process involves family input, observation, and structured strategies to understand behaviour. This ensures support plans are realistic, evidence-based, and designed to meet each child’s needs in their daily environments.

The length can vary depending on your child’s needs. Typically, assessments are completed over a few sessions, combining observations, family interviews, and, in some cases, structured analysis. Our goal is to gather sufficient information to create safe and effective strategies without placing unnecessary stress on your child or your family.

Absolutely. SBT is designed to be gentle, positive, and respectful. Children are guided step by step to learn safer ways of meeting their needs. Sessions are carefully structured to ensure progress is made while maintaining dignity and emotional well-being at all times.

ESDM Therapy Registration

We are thrilled to embark on this journey with you and your child. Our Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapy is designed to provide individualized support, fostering your child’s development and enhancing their social and communication skills.

To get started, please fill out the registration form below. Your input will help us tailor our approach to meet your child’s unique needs effectively. We look forward to partnering with you on this transformative path towards growth and progress.

Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your child's developmental journey!