Which assessment is completed by primary caregivers to identify likely function(s) of challenging behavior?

• A. FAST
• B. MAS
• C. Rating Scale
• D. ABC Data

Answer: (A)

Understanding why a challenging behavior occurs relies on identifying its function—the outcome the learner is seeking or avoiding. The Functional Assessment Screening Tool is designed for primary caregivers to complete, gathering information across everyday situations to form hypotheses about function. It asks about patterns across different settings, the typical antecedents and consequences, and what the learner gains or avoids, helping to distinguish common functions such as attention, escape/avoidance, access to tangibles, or automatic reinforcement. Because it’s specifically a caregiver‑completed screening tool focused on function, it’s the best fit for identifying likely functions. Other options are broader or based on direct observation: a Maladaptive Behavior Assessment System is a general rating scale of behavior problems, not function-focused; a generic rating scale lacks function-specific guidance; and ABC data involves recording events as they occur to describe antecedents, behaviors, and consequences, which is informative but not a caregiver‑completed screening designed to pinpoint function.