When Should Health Concerns Pause or Redirect an FBA?

Respond to health concerns during FBA

Record the observed change, time, context, client report, health or safety signs, immediate response, responsible clinician, referral, communication authorization, interim supports, and follow-up owner. Emergency procedures govern immediate danger. Routine FBA data collection should never delay urgent medical or protective action.

Interpret the evidence cautiously

Pain, illness, sleep change, medication effects, seizures, feeding concerns, hearing or vision issues, mobility, trauma, or mental-health needs may alter behavior and assessment safety. ABA staff should stay within competence and should not diagnose or treat a medical condition. Coordination can preserve useful supports while another professional evaluates the concern.

Use current assessment and ethics sources

The BACB Ethics Code directs covered analysts to address a reasonable likelihood that behavior is influenced by medical or biological variables and to practice within competence. The CASP public summary provides clinical assessment and planning scope. Applicable law and emergency policy still control urgent action.

Keep communication available

The ASHA AAC portal supports continuous access to communication tools. Preserve the person's established communication, a usable stop or correction response, ordinary supports, and accessible participation throughout this specific assessment decision.

A practical example

During three observations, Leena begins hitting her ear and loses balance. The clinician stops the planned comparison, the family seeks medical evaluation, and staff preserve AAC and low-demand safety supports. The team resumes only after current health information and qualified clinical review support a revised plan.

Questions families can use

What changed? Is there immediate danger? Which professional owns medical evaluation? What support remains safe now? What information may be shared? Which documented gate permits resumption?