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Functional analysis and treatment of low‐rate problem behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities
Author(s) -
Tarbox Jonathan,
Wallace Michele D.,
Tarbox Rachel S. F.,
Landaburu Heidi J.,
Williams W. Larry
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
behavioral interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.605
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1099-078X
pISSN - 1072-0847
DOI - 10.1002/bin.156
Subject(s) - functional analysis , psychology , applied behavior analysis , behavioral analysis , function (biology) , functional response , developmental psychology , functional data analysis , clinical psychology , autism , machine learning , computer science , paleontology , biochemistry , chemistry , evolutionary biology , biology , predation , gene , predator
Abstract Extensive research has validated the standard functional analysis as a useful technology for identifying the function of problem behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities. The assessment of low‐rate problem behavior is one area that has yet to receive a significant amount of research. Some problem behaviors may occur at rates too low to be observed during a standard functional analysis, despite the fact that they may be highly destructive behaviors. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of initiating functional analysis sessions contingent on the occurrence of bursts of problem behavior for producing interpretable functional analysis results. While a standard functional analysis did not produce definitive results with respect to behavioral function, the ‘low‐rate’ functional analysis produced interpretable results for all three participants. Two of the three participants were available for the evaluation of treatments based on their functional analysis results. Function‐based treatments suppressed rates of problem behavior for both participants. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.