A statewide survey assessing practitioners' use and perceived utility of functional assessment.

Perez et al. (2015) emailed a short survey to every licensed behavior analyst in Massachusetts. They asked which tools the person used to find why problem behavior happens. The list included ABC checklists, interviews, and full functional analysis.

Two hundred thirty-three BCBAs answered. Most worked with kids who have developmental delays. The survey took about five minutes.

Descriptive assessment won the popularity contest. Almost every respondent said they use it.

Yet 68 % called functional analysis the "most useful" method. Only 35 % run one regularly. Cost, time, and staff skill were the top brakes.

Detrich et al. (2025) call this gap proof that ABA needs an eighth dimension: real-world adoption. They use the same numbers to argue plans should start with "how will we sell this?" not just "does it work?"

Saloner et al. (2019) show state policy can flip use fast. After Kansas forced insurance to pay, kids with autism used twice as many outpatient hours. The low FA use in M et al. may be more about pay and policy than science.

Meuret et al. (2001) found the same pattern in Scottish teachers. Staff who never tried inclusion feared it; those who did, loved it. The Massachusetts data echo: BCBAs know FA is gold but stick with what they have done before.

You already own the best assessment tool. If you are not using it, list the barriers in your setting. Can you shorten the FA to 15 minutes? Can you bill it under a different code? Start with one client next week. Run a brief alone-play-social sequence during an existing session. One success will build your team's confidence and give you the data insurance wants to see.