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USING BRIEF ASSESSMENTS TO EVALUATE ABERRANT BEHAVIOR MAINTAINED BY ATTENTION
Author(s) -
O'Reilly Mark F.,
Lancioni Giulio E.,
King Lisa,
Lally Grainne,
Dhomhnaill Orla Nic
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of applied behavior analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1938-3703
pISSN - 0021-8855
DOI - 10.1901/jaba.2000.33-109
Subject(s) - psychology , reinforcement , context (archaeology) , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , functional analysis , schedule , applied behavior analysis , autism , social psychology , operating system , paleontology , biochemistry , chemistry , biology , computer science , gene
We examined the use of brief functional assessments to identify idiosyncratic variables associated with aberrant behavior maintained by positive reinforcement in the form of attention. Two participants with severe developmental disabilities and their parents were involved in the assessment and treatment evaluation process. A modified attention condition was introduced, which involved both parents interacting with a third person. Results of the assessment demonstrated that aberrant behavior occurred only in the modified attention condition for both participants. Treatment consisted of the parents delivering attention on a fixed‐time schedule during this specific social context. Results indicated that the treatment reduced problem behavior. Follow‐up evaluations with 1 participant indicated maintenance of treatment effects for up to 6 months.