Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) & Skill-Based Treatment (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.

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Program Overview

  • What is PFA?

    A gentle, interview-informed assessment that helps us understand why behaviour happens and what skills are missing—conducted in a way that keeps everyone safe and preserves dignity.

  • 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.

  • Who delivers it?

    TACT clinicians are trained and FTF-credentialed, following the model developed by Dr. Greg Hanley, with onsite BCBA supervision.


Program Snapshot:
PFA + SBT • Safety-First • Communication • Tolerance • Cooperation • Family Coaching • BCBA Supervision • FTF-Credentialed Clinicians • In-Clinic with Home/School Collaboration

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Benefits

  • Real-life change: reduce interfering behaviour by teaching clear replacement communication that actually works for your child.


  • Tolerance & flexibility: build comfort with “no,” waiting, and unexpected changes through tiny, successful steps.

  • Cooperation with routines: practice calm, confident participation in things like homework, hygiene, meals, and transitions.

  • Dignity & connection: rapport-based sessions that prioritise assent so learning feels safe and respectful.

  • Family partnership: coaching, simple scripts, and daily mini-practice so progress sticks outside sessions.

  • 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.

Interdisciplinary Teaming

Delivered by ABA clinicians with BCBA oversight; SLP/OT consultation available as needed.

Generalization First

We plan from the start for carryover across people, places, and activities.

Assent-Based, Compassionate Practice

We honour your child’s voice and well-being—using least-intrusive, trauma-informed strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Children and youth who show interfering or unsafe behaviour and need a supportive way to learn communication, tolerance, and cooperation.

  • 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.

  • Primarily in-clinic, with collaboration for home and school. We can coach families and school teams to keep strategies consistent.

  • Safety and dignity come first. We design conditions that prevent escalation and build skills through small, successful steps.

  • Length varies by goals and practice opportunities. Your team will review progress frequently and set clear next steps together.

  • Yes. We coordinate with your existing providers (SLP, OT, school teams) to align goals and supports.

  • A BCBA oversees the work. TACT clinicians are trained and FTF-credentialed in PFA/SBT.

  • 1) Complimentary intake

    2) Interview & baseline

    3) PFA, 4) Begin SBT with caregiver coaching.

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CONTACT

Questions? Email info@autismtoronto.ca and a team member will respond promptly.