Practical Functional Assessment & Skill-Based Treatment (PFA-SBT)
A compassionate, safety-first process that replaces interfering behaviour with powerful skills—communication, tolerance, and cooperation—so daily life gets easier at home, school, and in the community.
Program Overview
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What is PFA?
A gentle, interview-informed assessment that helps us understand why behaviour happens and what skills are missing. We ensure the interview is conducted in a way that keeps everyone safe and preserves dignity.
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What is SBT?
A step-by-step teaching plan that builds functional communication, then tolerance for “no”/waiting/changes, and finally cooperation with everyday tasks.
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Who delivers it?
Our Registered Behaviour Analysts have advanced training from FTF Behavioural Consulting in PFA-SBT.
Program Snapshot:
PFA + SBT • Safety-First • Communication • Tolerance • Cooperation • Family Coaching • RBA Supervision • FTF-Credentialed Clinicians • In-Clinic with Home/School Collaboration
Benefits
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Real-life change: Reduce interfering behaviour by teaching clear replacement communication that actually works for your child.
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Tolerance & flexibility: Build comfort with “no,” waiting, and unexpected changes through tiny, successful steps.
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Cooperation with routines: Practice calm, confident participation in things like homework, hygiene, meals, and transitions.
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Dignity & connection: Rapport-based sessions that prioritise assent so learning feels safe and respectful.
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Family partnership: Coaching, simple scripts, and daily mini-practice so progress sticks outside sessions.
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Aligned supports: We coordinate with teachers, EAs, SLP/OT, and other providers to keep strategies consistent.
THE TACT APPROACH
Structured, Joyful Learning
We turn hard moments into low-stress, motivating practice so success builds quickly.
Family-Embedded
You’ll learn easy, repeatable steps to use during everyday routines.
Data-Informed, Person-Centred
We individualize goals, track progress closely, and adjust as skills grow.
Generalization First
We plan from the start for carryover across people, places, and activities.
Assent-Based, Compassionate Practice
We prioritize student assent and well-being by using least-intrusive, trauma-informed approaches that keep learning respectful and motivating.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Children and youth who show interfering or unsafe behaviour and need a supportive way to learn communication, tolerance, and cooperation.
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We start with caregiver interview and observation, complete the Practical Functional Assessment, then begin Skill-Based Treatment—teaching communication first, followed by tolerance and cooperation.
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Primarily in-clinic, with collaboration for home and school. We can coach families and school teams to keep strategies consistent.
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Safety and dignity come first. We design conditions that prevent escalation and build skills through small, successful steps.
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Length varies by goals and practice opportunities. Your team will review progress frequently and set clear next steps together.
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Yes. We coordinate with your existing providers (SLP, OT, school teams) to align goals and supports.
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A Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) oversees programming. TACT clinicians are trained and FTF-credentialed in PFA/SBT.
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1) Complimentary intake
2) Interview & baseline
3) Practical Functional Assessment (PFA)
4) Begin SBT with caregiver coaching.
CONTACT
Questions? Email info@autismtoronto.ca and a team member will respond promptly.
