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Fernand JK, Vollmer TR, Slocum SK, Baker Simms C, Peters KP. Evaluation of schedule thinning following treatment for aggression maintained by access to higher level restrictive and repetitive behavior. J Appl Behav Anal 2023; 56:831-841. [PMID: 37581980 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the diagnostic characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorders includes engaging in restricted and repetitive behavior. Research has shown that individuals will often display problem behavior when access to restricted and repetitive behavior is blocked. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the use of functional communication training and schedule thinning to treat aggression displayed by three children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders when higher level restrictive and repetitive behavior was blocked. Further, we assessed whether all steps in a schedule-thinning sequence were necessary as well as extended the practicality of these procedures by removing the continuous signal during the delay to reinforcement. The results indicated that functional communication with schedule thinning reduced aggression related to blocking access to engaging in higher level restrictive and repetitive behavior for all participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah K Slocum
- Marcus Autism Center and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kerri P Peters
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Melanson IJ, Fahmie TA. Functional analysis of problem behavior: A 40-year review. J Appl Behav Anal 2023; 56:262-281. [PMID: 36892835 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Extensive reviews of functional analysis literature were conducted 10 (Beavers et al., 2013) and 20 (Hanley et al., 2003) years ago; we expanded this review to capture the vast and innovative functional analysis research that has occurred over the past decade. Our review produced 1,333 functional analysis outcomes from 326 studies on the functional analysis of problem behavior between June 2012 and May 2022. Some characteristics of functional analysis studies were similar across the current and previous two reviews (e.g., child participants, developmental disability diagnosis, use of line graphs depicting session means, differentiated response outcomes). Other characteristics deviated from the previous two reviews (e.g., increase in autistic representation, outpatient settings, use of supplementary assessments, the inclusion of tangible conditions, and multiple function outcomes; decrease in session durations). We update previously reported participant and methodological characteristics, summarize outcomes, comment on recent trends, and propose future directions in the functional analysis literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac J Melanson
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute, Severe Behavior Department, Omaha, United States
| | - Tara A Fahmie
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute, Severe Behavior Department, Omaha, United States
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Lanovaz MJ, Primiani R. Waiting for baseline stability in single-case designs: Is it worth the time and effort? Behav Res Methods 2023; 55:843-854. [PMID: 35469087 PMCID: PMC10027773 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-022-01858-9] [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: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Researchers and practitioners often use single-case designs (SCDs), or n-of-1 trials, to develop and validate novel treatments. Standards and guidelines have been published to provide guidance as to how to implement SCDs, but many of their recommendations are not derived from the research literature. For example, one of these recommendations suggests that researchers and practitioners should wait for baseline stability prior to introducing an independent variable. However, this recommendation is not strongly supported by empirical evidence. To address this issue, we used Monte Carlo simulations to generate graphs with fixed, response-guided, and random baseline lengths while manipulating trend and variability. Then, our analyses compared the type I error rate and power produced by two methods of analysis: the conservative dual-criteria method (a structured visual aid) and a support vector classifier (a model derived from machine learning). The conservative dual-criteria method produced fewer errors when using response-guided decision-making (i.e., waiting for stability) and random baseline lengths. In contrast, waiting for stability did not reduce decision-making errors with the support vector classifier. Our findings question the necessity of waiting for baseline stability when using SCDs with machine learning, but the study must be replicated with other designs and graph parameters that change over time to support our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc J Lanovaz
- École de psychoéducation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Rachel Primiani
- École de psychoéducation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Slanzi CM, Vollmer TR, Iwata BA, Kronfli FR, Williams LP, Perez BC. Further evaluation of functional analysis screening methods in early autism intervention. J Appl Behav Anal 2022; 55:851-870. [PMID: 35607883 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A goal of some functional analysis (FA) variations is to reduce assessment time while still maintaining efficacy. This may be especially important when conducting FAs in early intervention programs, where time is a crucial commodity. To that end, we evaluated a model for using the results of the no-interaction condition as a screening for behavioral function and to guide selection of FA test conditions with 20 participants (22 assessments) aged 3 to 7 years old. We used the no-interaction condition to develop hypotheses for both automatic reinforcement and socially mediated reinforcement. The outcome of the no-interaction condition guided the selection of test conditions for the remainder of the FA. We also incorporated methods from prior FA studies (e.g., divided attention) to modify the test conditions. We obtained differentiated results in 91% of assessments, all within 70 min and, as such, extended evidence that an FA can be completed in little time without sacrificing efficacy.
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Underlying Thinking Pattern Profiles Predict Parent-Reported Distress Responses in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:2112-2131. [PMID: 34052971 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05092-8] [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: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Appreciating autistic neurodiversity is important when supporting autistic people who experience distress. Specifically, use of a profiling model can reveal less visible autistic differences, including strengths and abilities. Binary logistic regressions showed that the likelihood of extreme distress responses could be interpreted based on parent-reported autistic thinking pattern profiles for 140 young people. Perspective-taking (specifically empathy), extreme demand avoidance, and over-sensory sensitivity each contributed to the combined regression models. From the clinical perspective of autism as a multi-dimensional and inter-connected construct, there may be implications for planning support and building positive self-understanding. Individually tailored adjustments and support strategies may be identified more easily after delineating variables found across four core aspects: sensory coherence, flexible thinking, perspective-taking, and regulation.
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Fisher WW, Felber JM, Phillips LA, Craig AR, Paden AR, Niemeier JJ. Treatment of resistance to change in children with autism. J Appl Behav Anal 2019; 52:974-993. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne W. Fisher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe‐Meyer Institute
| | | | | | | | - Amber R. Paden
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe‐Meyer Institute
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Cariveau T, Miller SJ, Call NA, Alvarez J. Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior Maintained by Termination of Interruptions. Dev Neurorehabil 2019; 22:203-208. [PMID: 30727805 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1566278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous research has identified termination of interruptions to repetitive behaviour as a reinforcer capable of maintaining problem behaviour. Effective treatments have included functional communication training and multiple schedules of reinforcement. METHODS In the present study, a functional analysis determined that the aggression of an eight-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder was maintained by termination of interruptions of repetitive behaviour. An intervention was implemented consisting of differential reinforcement of other behaviour and response cost. RESULTS The intervention produced and maintained a reduction in aggression and increased tolerance for interruptions of systematically increasing durations. CONCLUSIONS This case study demonstrates an alternative approach to the treatment of problem behaviours such as aggression maintained by termination of repetitive behaviour that includes teaching the individual to tolerate interruption of repetitive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Cariveau
- a Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , United States.,b Marcus Autism Center , Atlanta , United States.,c University of North Carolina , Wilmington , United States
| | - Sarah J Miller
- a Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , United States.,b Marcus Autism Center , Atlanta , United States.,d Children's Hospital of New Orleans , New Orleans , United States
| | - Nathan A Call
- a Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , United States.,b Marcus Autism Center , Atlanta , United States
| | - Jessica Alvarez
- a Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , United States.,b Marcus Autism Center , Atlanta , United States
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Slaton JD, Hanley GP. Nature and scope of synthesis in functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 51:943-973. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Torres-Viso M, Strohmeier CW, Zarcone JR. Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior related to mands for rearrangement. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 51:158-165. [PMID: 29318608 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Torres-Viso
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Craig W. Strohmeier
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Jennifer R. Zarcone
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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Erturk B, Machalicek W, Drew C. Self-Injurious Behavior in Children With Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review of Behavioral Intervention Literature. Behav Modif 2017; 42:498-542. [PMID: 29179569 DOI: 10.1177/0145445517741474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed single-case research studies examining the effects of behavioral interventions for self-injurious behavior (SIB) in young children with autism and developmental disabilities. Systematic searches of electronic databases, journals, and reference lists identified 46 studies (66 participants younger than the age of 12) meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were examined based on (a) participant demographics, (b) topography and function of SIB, (c) type of functional behavior assessment (FBA), (d) intervention procedures and outcomes, and (e) experimental design and measurement. Intervention strategies were categorized as antecedent manipulations, teaching behavior, consequence-based procedures, and/or extinction procedures. Positive outcomes were reported for 78% of participants in the reviewed studies and 88% of the participants were diagnosed with autism. Results suggest the effectiveness of behavioral interventions to decrease SIB for young children with disabilities; however, the frequent use of packaged interventions without component analysis limits the conclusiveness of any treatment recommendation. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Slaton JD, Hanley GP, Raftery KJ. Interview-informed functional analyses: A comparison of synthesized and isolated components. J Appl Behav Anal 2017; 50:252-277. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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