Practical Functional Assessment & Skill‑Based Treatment (PFA‑SBT)
Intensive Treatment for Severe Problem Behaviour
PFA‑SBT is a compassionate, research‑backed way to help children who engage in serious behaviours like self‑injury, aggression, or property destruction. For the initial assessment, we start by letting your child do the things they genuinely enjoy, then gently “test the waters” to see which situations start to bring on those early warning signs (the little cues that usually come before a big behaviour). Instead of waiting for the behaviour to happen, we use those precursors to understand what your child is trying to get or avoid. Once we’ve completed this assessment, we build out the Skill‑Based Treatment plan, where we systematically teach a clear, step‑by‑step sequence of safer, more effective behaviours—so your child can get their needs met without hurting themselves or others.
Our Approach
No restraints, no coercion—just dignifying, skill‑building support. We use an assent‑based, Enhanced Choice Model, meaning your child has a voice, options, and the ability to opt in. We watch for precursors instead of allowing behaviour to escalate, and we teach longer, context‑appropriate chains of behaviour that let your child communicate, cope, and stay regulated. Caregivers can learn alongside us so these skills show up everywhere your child lives and learns. Overseen by Alison Fera, R.B.A (Ont.) who is currently Level 2 Credentialed by Dr Greg Hanley’s FTF Behavioural Consulting firm