1
|
Slaton JD, Davis M, DePetris DA, Raftery KJ, Daniele S, Caruso CM. Long-term effectiveness and generality of practical functional assessment and skill-based treatment. J Appl Behav Anal 2024; 57:635-656. [PMID: 38804601 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
There are several considerations to address when conducting functional communication training for challenging behavior in a school setting, such as the need for schedule thinning and maintenance across staff and the need to establish a variety of appropriate classroom skills. There are several strategies for conducting schedule thinning following functional communication training and for transferring effects across people or settings. However, there are few examples of these processes in natural settings with relevant caregivers and with long-term maintenance of effects. We implemented a functional assessment and skill-based treatment process with six children with autism in a specialized school setting and extended treatment until challenging behavior was reduced to near-zero levels across multiple staff and settings. Follow-up data indicate that effects were still observed 1 year posttreatment and the use of crisis procedures (e.g., physical restraint) was eliminated for all participants.
Collapse
|
2
|
Layman LN, Dufrene BA, Ackley MM, Weaver CM, Schneider DE, LaBrot ZC, Taylor CN, Rahaman JA, Tawney KN, Hart T, Olmi DJ. Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analyses on Challenging Problem Behavior: a Single-Case Meta-analysis. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-023-00357-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
|
3
|
Torelli JN, Pickren SE. Using Chained or Tandem Schedules With Functional Communication Training: A Systematic Review. Behav Modif 2022; 47:185-218. [PMID: 35164521 DOI: 10.1177/01454455221077420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chained and tandem schedules are a common method for thinning schedules of reinforcement following functional communication training (FCT) in the treatment of problem behavior. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of chained and tandem schedules following FCT to describe treatment characteristics and evaluate effects. We identified 38 articles and found reductions in problem behavior across four measures. Results of a random-effects multilevel meta-analysis of rigorous evaluations showed a significant effect of chained or tandem schedules + FCT on problem behavior relative to baseline. We observed resurgence in 77% of cases and 31% of schedule-thinning transitions. Results showed chained schedules resulted in greater reductions in problem behavior relative to tandem schedules. Exploratory moderator analyses suggested extinction, combined reinforcement, and delay and denial tolerance training procedures were associated with greater reductions in problem behavior relative to other treatment characteristics. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Rajaraman A, Hanley GP, Gover HC, Ruppel KW, Landa RK. On the Reliability and Treatment Utility of the Practical Functional Assessment Process. Behav Anal Pract 2022; 15:815-837. [PMID: 36465598 PMCID: PMC9582185 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-021-00665-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Saini et al. (2019) urged caution with respect to the use of practical functional assessment (PFA) procedures to inform behavioral treatment when they found that responses to an open-ended caregiver interview were only somewhat reliable and showed moderate to weak correspondence with analog functional analyses. Because the practitioner's goal in conducting any functional assessment process is to inform the successful treatment of problem behavior, we replicated and extended Saini et al. by (a) evaluating the reliability of hypotheses gleaned from two independent PFA processes for each of four children, (b) conducting treatment informed by a randomly assigned PFA, and (c) determining the extent to which potentially different levels of reliability impacted the treatment utility of the PFA process. Results indicated that the reliability of the PFA process varied depending on the stringency with which it was evaluated. However, treatments developed from randomly determined PFA processes produced efficacious outcomes on problem behavior and targeted social skills that transferred to the context designed from the other PFA process in all evaluations, suggesting that the PFA has strong treatment utility despite parts of the process having ambiguous levels of reliability. We discuss implications for practitioners tasked with treating severe problem behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adithyan Rajaraman
- grid.268191.50000 0001 0490 2480Department of Psychology, Western New England University, Springfield, MA USA ,grid.266673.00000 0001 2177 1144Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Cir, Baltimore, MD 21250 USA
| | - Gregory P. Hanley
- grid.268191.50000 0001 0490 2480Department of Psychology, Western New England University, Springfield, MA USA
| | - Holly C. Gover
- grid.268191.50000 0001 0490 2480Department of Psychology, Western New England University, Springfield, MA USA
| | - Kelsey W. Ruppel
- grid.268191.50000 0001 0490 2480Department of Psychology, Western New England University, Springfield, MA USA
| | - Robin K. Landa
- grid.268191.50000 0001 0490 2480Department of Psychology, Western New England University, Springfield, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muharib R, Dowdy A, Rajaraman A, Jessel J. Contingency-based delay to reinforcement following functional communication training for autistic individuals: A multilevel meta-analysis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:761-781. [PMID: 34961394 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211065540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Functional communication training, an intervention for challenging behavior rooted in principles of applied behavior analysis, has copious empirical support dating back to the mid-1980s for autistic individuals. Recently, there has been a concerted effort to thin reinforcement delivery during functional communication training using contingency-based delays that, in turn, are designed to enhance practicality and feasibility while not compromising efficacy. In this synthesis, we meta-analyzed the literature base with the goal of investigating both combined and across type effectiveness of contingency-based delays. We also aimed to investigate moderating variables that might impact intervention outcomes. Findings showed that contingency-based delays were effective for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and most effective when the delay incorporated some form of positive reinforcement. In addition, differential reinforcement of alternative-based delays was overall more effective when compared to differential reinforcement of other behavior-based delays. Noteworthy moderating variables found to impact contingency-based delay efficacy included the intervention dosage and the topography of behavior. We discuss these findings and highlight directions where additional empirical research is warranted to improve our understanding about contingency-based delays for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Collapse
|
6
|
Irwin Helvey C, Van Camp CM. Further comparison of isolated and synthesized contingencies in functional analyses. J Appl Behav Anal 2021; 55:154-168. [PMID: 34796961 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent research on functional analyses (FAs) has examined the extent to which problem behavior is maintained by single (isolated) or combined (synthesized) reinforcement contingencies. Outcomes of these analyses might differ depending on the sources of information that are used to inform contingencies included in test conditions. The purpose of the current study was to compare the outcomes of isolated FAs and synthesized contingency analyses (SCAs) with 3 participants. Conditions in both analyses were informed by interviews and both unstructured and structured observations. Problem behavior for all 3 participants was maintained by 1 or 2 isolated reinforcers. Results suggested false-positive SCA results for 2 participants. For 1 participant, a second isolated reinforcer was identified following the SCA, indicating the induction of a novel function. Implications for the use of isolated and synthesized consequences are discussed, as well as the predictive validity of the assessments that are used to inform them.
Collapse
|
7
|
Functional communication training and delay to reinforcement for the treatment of elopement in a boy with Dravet syndrome. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
8
|
Metras RL, Jessel J. Adaptations of the interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis. J Appl Behav Anal 2021; 54:877-881. [PMID: 34028020 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
9
|
Rajaraman A, Hanley GP, Gover HC, Staubitz JL, Staubitz JE, Simcoe KM, Metras R. Minimizing Escalation by Treating Dangerous Problem Behavior Within an Enhanced Choice Model. Behav Anal Pract 2021; 15:219-242. [DOI: 10.1007/s40617-020-00548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
10
|
Jessel J, Rosenthal D, Hanley GP, Rymill L, Boucher MB, Howard M, Perrin J, Lemos FM. On the Occurrence of Dangerous Problem Behavior during Functional Analysis: An Evaluation of 30 Applications. Behav Modif 2021; 46:834-862. [PMID: 33890495 DOI: 10.1177/01454455211010698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Functional analyses are often conducted by behavior analysts to understand the environmental variables contributing to an individual's problem behavior to better inform treatment implementation. While functional analyses are integral for designing function-based interventions, they often arrange contingencies to evoke and reinforce dangerous problem behavior. In Study 1 we reviewed 22 functional analyses with open-contingency classes including non-dangerous topographies of problem behavior and we found that participants were more likely to exhibit the non-dangerous behavior in 82% of the applications. We then conducted a single-subject comparison of closed and open-contingency classes with four additional participants in Study 2. Our results suggest that the functional analyses with the open-contingency class reduced the likelihood of observing dangerous problem behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jessel
- Queens College of the City University of New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jesse Perrin
- Pathways Strategic Teaching Center, Warwick, RI, USA
| | - Felipe M Lemos
- Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Sao Carlos, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Quigley J, Dowdy A, Trucksess K, Finlay A. An Investigation of Functional Communication Training and Schedule Thinning Using a Multiple Schedule on Elopement to Access Stereotypy. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:3224-3234. [PMID: 33196917 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04788-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who engage in stereotypy may also emit a prior, temporally contiguous, high-risk response to access stereotypic behaviors. For example, the participant in this study who was diagnosed with ASD engaged in a chained response that included elopement, often in unsafe locations, to access light switch flipping. Previous research indicates that functional communication training (FCT) with delay fading is a viable approach to reduce chained problem behavior. In this study, we extended previous research by (a) evaluating the generalized effect of FCT and schedule thinning using multiple schedule technology for an automatically maintained chained response, and (b) evaluating whether intervention effects maintained in the participant's optimal context. Results for the participant suggested that FCT with schedule thinning mitigated high-risk chained responding across settings and discrimination training using a multiple schedule assessment effectively signaled available and unavailable times for the participant to emit the chained response which matched the participant's natural schedule parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Quigley
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Art Dowdy
- Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Iannaccone JA, Jessel J. A translational comparison of contingency-based progressive delay procedures and their effects on contextually appropriate behavior. J Appl Behav Anal 2020; 54:231-247. [PMID: 33164222 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Schedule thinning is an essential step in treating problem behavior, yet little research has been conducted to determine the method associated with sustained treatment effects. A frequently used method for thinning reinforcement is contingency-based progressive delay, which requires the individual to meet some criteria before the reinforcers are returned. The response requirement could be dependent on (a) contextually appropriate behavior (differential reinforcement of alternative behavior-based thinning) or (b) absence of problem behavior (differential reinforcement of other behavior-based thinning). A translational arrangement with college students was implemented to determine the effects of these 2 response requirements. Tolerance was observed regardless of thinning method and was indicated by low rates of responding to the analogue problem behavior; however, more contextually appropriate behavior occurred during differential reinforcement of alternative behavior-based thinning. These results support the use of response requirements for behaviors that are expected of the individual when reinforcement is not immediately forthcoming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Iannaccone
- Department of Psychology, Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York
| | - Joshua Jessel
- Department of Psychology, Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jessel J, Hanley GP, Ghaemmaghami M. On the Standardization of the Functional Analysis. Behav Anal Pract 2020; 13:205-216. [PMID: 32231982 PMCID: PMC7070124 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-019-00366-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional analysis procedures described in the seminal Iwata et al. (1982/1994) study are prominent in the applied behavior analytic literature, having been replicated hundreds of times over the past 30 years (Beavers, Iwata, & Lerman, 2013; Hanley, McCord, Iwata, 2003). However, the extent to which particular components of this functional analysis model have become more or less prominent over time is not clear from these literature reviews. We therefore conducted a review of the functional analysis literature between the years of 1965 and 2016 to determine the trends in the usage of particular components over time and to determine if the published literature reflects a standardization of the manner in which functional analyses of problem behavior are conducted. Furthermore, we discuss whether or not this standardization of a functional analysis model is currently necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jessel
- Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, NY 11367 USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Coffey AL, Shawler LA, Jessel J, Nye ML, Bain TA, Dorsey MF. Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analysis (IISCA): Novel Interpretations and Future Directions. Behav Anal Pract 2020; 13:217-225. [PMID: 32231983 PMCID: PMC7070108 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-019-00348-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional analysis (FA) methodology was developed to provide an empirical basis for understanding the reinforcers contributing to the maintenance of problem behavior. Previous research has demonstrated that multiple formats have been established to address some areas, such as practicality, efficiency, and safety. We reviewed the research on a new replication and extension of the standard FA format, the interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis (IISCA) and its subsequent treatment. We discuss the efficiency and effectiveness of the IISCA across various populations, settings, topographies of problem behaviors, and maintaining functions across 17 studies. Common treatment trends, novel developments, and other critical intervention components are also reviewed. We provide suggestions for future directions and guidelines for practitioners when considering the use of the IISCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Coffey
- 1Endicott College, Beverly, MA USA
- Behavior Network, Inc., McKinney, TX USA
| | - Lesley A Shawler
- 1Endicott College, Beverly, MA USA
- Behavior Network, Inc., McKinney, TX USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Boyle MA, Bacon MT, Brewer EM, Carton SM, Gaskill LA. Evaluating a treatment without extinction for elopement maintained by access to stereotypy. J Appl Behav Anal 2020; 53:1531-1541. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
16
|
Muharib R, Alrasheed F, Ninci J, Walker VL, Voggt AP. Thinning Schedules of Reinforcement Following Functional Communication Training for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Meta-analytic Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:4788-4806. [PMID: 31456100 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04191-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Functional communication training (FCT) is an evidence-based practice used to mitigate challenging behavior by increasing functional communication skills. To increase the practicality and feasibility of FCT in natural settings, thinning schedules of reinforcement are typically programmed following FCT. In this review, we meta-analyzed 28 studies that incorporated a thinning schedule procedure following FCT for 51 children with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 8 and younger. Using Tau-U, the results demonstrated overall moderate effect sizes for both challenging behavior and functional communication responses. Additionally, moderator analyses pertaining to participant characteristics, interventions, and study quality were conducted. Thinning procedures were most effective for children who had stronger communication repertoire. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reem Muharib
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Ashley P Voggt
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dowdy A, Tincani M. Assessment and treatment of high‐risk challenging behavior of adolescents with autism in an aquatic setting. J Appl Behav Anal 2019; 53:305-314. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
18
|
Jessel J, Metras R, Hanley GP, Jessel C, Ingvarsson ET. Evaluating the boundaries of analytic efficiency and control: A consecutive controlled case series of 26 functional analyses. J Appl Behav Anal 2019; 53:25-43. [PMID: 30734285 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We conducted this study to determine if the efficiency of the functional analysis could be improved without detrimental effects on control. In Experiment 1, we reanalyzed functional analyses conducted for the problem behavior of 18 children. We analyzed rates of problem behavior during the first 5 min and first 3 min of the original 10-min sessions and evaluated if changes in the level of control over problem behavior by the programmed contingency were evident from the analyses of shorter session duration. In Experiment 2, we conducted 8 consecutive functional analyses with 3-min sessions to further evaluate the utility of brief session durations. We found that control over problem behavior was demonstrated when conducting functional analyses with sessions as brief as 3 min.
Collapse
|
19
|
Jessel J, Hanley GP, Ghaemmaghami M, Metras R. An evaluation of the single-session interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jessel
- Psychology Department Queens College, Queens; New York USA
| | - Gregory P. Hanley
- Department of Psychology Western New England University Springfield; Massachusetts USA
| | | | - Rachel Metras
- Department of Psychology Western New England University Springfield; Massachusetts USA
| |
Collapse
|