How long does a typical functional analysis session last?

A typical functional analysis session lasts around 10 minutes and is designed to systematically evaluate the functions of behavior through direct observation and controlled conditions. During this brief period, practitioners can implement various conditions to observe responses and gather data on the behavior of interest. This duration allows for enough time to conduct multiple trials while maintaining the individual’s engagement and minimizing fatigue or disinterest. Each condition is carefully structured to elicit the target behavior based on identified functions, such as attention-seeking or escape, making the 10-minute timeframe both practical and effective for obtaining reliable data.