Behavioral Assessment

Portrait of Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, behavioral assessment specialist and founder of CORE Methods.

A comprehensive, individualized approach to understanding behavior and identifying meaningful paths towards progress.

CORE Methods provides in-depth behavioral assessments for students experiencing persistent behavioral, emotional, social, or educational challenges.

Conducted personally by Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, each assessment goes beyond identifying observable behaviors to explore the underlying factors that may influence a student’s experiences, responses, and ability to participate successfully in their educational environment.

The goal is to provide schools, educators, and families with a clearer understanding of the individual’s needs and practical recommendations for creating meaningful, sustainable change.


Behavior does not occur in isolation. Emotional experiences, neurological and sensory processing, relationships, communication, environmental demands, and previous experiences can all influence how a student responds to the world around them.

Dr. Bilodeau approaches behavioral assessment with an understanding of these interconnected factors, considering both the student’s individual needs and the environments in which challenges occur.

Her work incorporates direct observation of behavior, communication, movement, gestures, and facial expressions alongside information gathered from educators, families, and existing documentation.

Rather than relying on any single observation or predetermined explanation, the assessment brings together multiple sources of information to develop a more complete understanding of the student and identify opportunities for effective support.


Each assessment is individualized to the student and their circumstance. The process generally includes:

A review of relevant school records, previous evaluations, behavioral documentation, and other information provided by the referring district or educational team.

Conversations with the people who know and support the student to better understand behavioral patterns, strengths, challenges, history, and current needs.

Dr. Bilodeau personally observes and interacts with the student to better understand their responses, communication, behavior, and experiences within the educational environment.

Information from the assessment is considered together to identify contributing factors, recognize existing strengths, and develop individualized strategies for supporting behavioral, emotional, and educational progress.


Following the assessment, Dr. Bilodeau prepares a comprehensive written report that organizes the findings and provides recommendations to help guide future planning and intervention.

The report includes:

  1. Reason for Referral: The concerns and circumstances prompting the assessment.
  2. Summary of Documentation Received: Relevant background information and existing evaluations.
  3. Observation: Findings from direct observation and interaction.
  4. Intervention Strategies and Procedures: Approaches and supports identified through the assessment.
  5. Summary: An overview of assessment findings.
  6. Recommendations: Individualized guidance for supporting the student moving forward.
  7. Attachments and Reference Information: Supporting material and relevant references, as applicable.

The goal is to provide a practical resource that educational teams and families can use to inform decisions, strengthen support strategies, and develop a more individualized path forward.


Dr. Bethany Bilodeau brings extensive experience in human behavior, behavioral intervention, trauma-informed practices, and individualized educational support.

She holds a Doctorate of Arts in Leadership, with dissertation work focused on behavior change, and has completed training and certifications across a range of behavioral and therapeutic approaches.

Her experience includes the study of nonverbal communication, facial expressions, sensory processing, and the influence of neurological and environmental factors on behavior.

This multidisciplinary background informs an assessment process centered on understanding the individual rather than simply addressing the behavior.

Meet Dr. B & the CORE Team →




Understanding the factors contributing to behavioral challenges is an important step toward developing effective, individualized support.

If your school or educational team is seeking a comprehensive behavioral assessment, CORE Methods welcomes the opportunity to discuss the student’s needs and determine appropriate next steps.

Contact CORE Methods →