Instructions for installation and use of the FBA Profiler:

Overview: The FBA Profiler is a norm-referenced and criterion-referenced behavior rating scale specifically designed to identify 'target behaviors', suggest potential underlying 'functions' of the behavior(s) and provide a broad-spectrum mental health screening in nine specific categories based on current DSM criteria. Most importantly, the FBA Profiler has been designed to be directly relevant to the psychoeducational needs of children and adolescents with interpretations and suggested interventions which are easily understood by teachers and parents. The FBA Profiler is also normed for ages 3 through adult for use beyond the typical school-aged population.

Installation: If the FBA Profiler Package was downloaded from the web site, your web browser probably unstuffed the file and created the appropriate FBA Profiler installer (for Mac or Windows) on your hard drive. Whether installing from the downloaded installer or from the CD-ROM, simply open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. During installation the FBA Profiler package is placed either in the 'Program Files' directory (Windows) or in your main hard drive directory (Macintosh) unless you select a different location. An 'alias' or 'shortcut' should also be created on your Windows desktop or Macintosh Dock for easy access to the FBA Profiler application.

Important: Always be sure that all files related to the FBA Profiler scoring application remain inside the FBA Profiler folder/directory where they first exist. Also be sure the appropriate files remain inside the Related Files folder/directory. If these files are moved, the scoring program and/or unlocking/registration codes may not function properly.

Using the FBA Profiler: To begin using any of the FBA Profiler materials (scoring file, forms, manual, instructions, etc.) simply double-click the FBA Profiler application or the desktop shortcut (or alias). If you are using a registered version of the FBA Profiler, the application will open directly to the screen which gives various options including viewing/printing forms, starting a new entry or viewing a list of existing entries. If you are opening a demonstration version of the application, you will first be presented a screen describing the limitations of that version along with options for upgrading your registration. If you are wishing to view or edit an existing entry you can simply select the name of the subject from the drop-down list and click the appropriate button to the right of the name. The FBA Profiler application comes with 2 sample files for you to get the feel of the entry and report options.

Completing an entry on a new subject is accomplished in 4 easy steps as follows:

Step 1: From the opening screen click the button entitled 'View /Print FBA Profiler Rating Forms'. A new window will open in which you can preview and/or print the various paper rating forms. You may either print 1 copy of each form and then duplicate them as needed or just print new forms as you need them. In either case, the printed forms will note the expiration date for you to legally print or duplicate the forms (based upon your registration status).

Step 2: Distribute FBA Profiler rating forms to appropriate parents, teachers, and/or subjects and collect the completed forms for scoring.

Step 3: To score completed FBA Profiler forms, simply open the FBA Profiler application and click the 'New Entry' button. A new window will open which allows entry of subject information including name, age, grade, school, etc. Be sure to enter an age in whole years (no dashes, decimal points, months, etc.) and sex so that the norm-referenced 'Target Behavior' scores can be accurately calculated. Then select the appropriate button below that section to begin entering actual rating data (from parent, teacher, or self-ratings). You may enter multiple ratings for each subject (i.e. parent, teacher, and/or student/self ratings) in order to directly compare results on the graphic display provided in the report.

Step 4: When available ratings have been entered, simply click the 'Calculate Scores/View Report' button at the top of the window. A new window will open in which you can preview graphic displays of of each rating category, combine or separate parent or teacher ratings or exclude certain ratings. You may also select the level of significance required for interpretation as described below.

Report Options:

Combining/Separating Ratings: When both parents and/or 2 or more teachers have completed ratings, the FBA Profiler scoring program initially presents all ratings separately. You may click the appropriate button near the top of the Report Options page to combine either the parent or teacher ratings. Sometimes it is useful to view all ratings separately to see if differences are observed across raters or settings. Other times, however, too many ratings can only serve to add confusion to the overall picture.

Excluding Certain Ratings: If it is felt that a given rating may be invalid (and inappropriately skew the overall results) that rating can simply be excluded from the charts and interpretations by clicking the appropriate button near the top of the Report Options window. Any excluded rating can be 'included' again by simply clicking the same button.

Level of Significance for Interpretation: By default, the FBA Profiler report provides descriptive interpretations and suggested interventions for any rating of at least moderate significance ('at risk' or 'clinically significant'). If you wish to restrict interpretations to only severe or 'clinically significant' ratings, simply click the appropriate button near the top of the Report Options window.

Suggested Interventions: For each suggested 'function of behavior' identified by the FBA Profiler, a list of possible interventions is provided to aid in the development of a behavior intervention plan.

Free Trial Period/Registration Code: The FBA Profiler software is provided with a limited time period of authorized use. Initially, you are given a 30 day free trial which should provide ample opportunity to assess the usefulness of the FBA Profiler for your purposes.

Your 30-day free trial starts when the FBA Profiler application is first opened. During the trial period you may view and print forms and use the FBA Profiler Scoring file to score records and print reports. However, any reports printed during the 'trial' period will be labeled 'Unauthorized Report, Not for Distribution'.

During or after the initial trial period you may increase the authorized use time by purchasing a registration code (instructions for purchasing this code are provided on the FBA Profiler registration form) and entering this code in the FBA Profiler registration file. Any additional time will be added to the time which is still left on your free trial period.

FBA Profiler Forms: During your period of authorized use you may view, print, and duplicate any FBA Profiler forms which you may need.

There is a button near the top of the FBA Profiler application main window which will allow you to view and/or print FBA Profiler rating forms. There are 2 versions of the rating forms, one for parents or teachers to complete and the other for subjects to rate themselves (not recommended for children younger than age 10).

You may either print 1 copy of each form and then duplicate them as needed or just print new forms as you need them. In either case, the printed forms will note the expiration date for you to legally print, duplicate, or distribute them (based upon your registration status).

FBA Profiler Manual: The FBA Profiler Examiner/Technical Manual will soon be available for viewing at the LDinfo web site:

http://www.LDinfo.com

This manual provides technical information about the development and standardization of the FBA Profiler as well as validity/reliability data and detailed instructions for appropriate use of this instrument. Hard copies of the FBA Profiler manual may also be ordered from the web site:

Printing Reports: Various print buttons are included in any layout which can be printed (usually at the bottom of the page). Clicking the chosen print button will bring up your normal print screen giving you options such as number of copies, which pages to print, scaling, etc.

Because of possible difficulties with font substitution on some computers and/or printers, scaling may need to be adjusted slightly when printing. For best viewing and printing results the Times New Roman font should be installed on your computer.

NOTE: During your free trial period or after your registration period has expired any printed report will bear the designation 'Unauthorized Report, Not for Distribution'.