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| #258 Poster Session – DDA |
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 |
| 4:30 PM–5:20 PM |
| Exhibit Hall D (Hynes) |
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| 50. Increasing Appropriate Behaviors in an 8 year-old Female Diagnosed with Angelman's Syndrome |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| STEPHANIE L. MILES (University of Nebraska Medical Center), Torri Smith Tejral (University of Nebraska Medical Center) |
| Abstract: Angelman's Syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with a deletion on Chromosome 15. There are several behavioral excesses and deficits that occur in individuals with Angelman's Syndrome (Summers, Lynch, Harris, and Burke, 1992). In this particular study, an 8 year-old female with Angleman's Syndrome was exhibiting severe aggressive and noncompliant behaviors to the point where they were interfering with her occupational, physical, and speech therapy sessions, as well as her school performance. Training all of the professionals involved with this case on how to implement appropriate behavioral strategies such as applying positive reinforcement contingent upon appropriate behaviors, and applying extinction or time-out procedures contingent upon inappropriate behaviors was found to be significantly effective in increasing compliant and non-aggressive behaviors in all settings. |
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| 51. Teaching Postpositional Particle in Written Japanese to a Child with Down syndrome |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| NAOHIRO KANEKO (Shiraume Gakuen College, Japan) |
| Abstract: The child with Down syndrome has diffculty in use of postpositional particle in written Japanese but not in oral communication. Trainer used word cards and postpositional particle cards to match the spearch sound and the written sentence. The child has been able to use postpositional particle in written Japanese. |
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| 52. Unit Price Analysis of Responding during a Self-control Paradigm |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| TRACY L. KETTERING (Marcus Autism Center), Henry S. Roane (Marcus Autism Center), Terry S. Falcomata (Marcus Autism Center), Nathan Call (Marcus Autism Center) |
| Abstract: Several recent studies have examined the methods necessary to increase tolerance to long reinforcement delays (i.e., self-control). Much of this research has been conducted with concurrent operants arrangements in which a choice is presented between a small, immediate reinforcer (e.g., 2-s delay for 1 M&Ms; impulsive option) and a larger, delayed reinforcer (e.g., 5-s delay for 2 M&Ms; self-control option). Results have generally shown the tendency for individuals to engage in impulsive behavior. However, responding toward the impulsive option may represent a more “economical” choice in response allocation. That is, in most investigations, the ratio of delay to amount of reinforcement earned (i.e., the unit price) generally favors impulsive responding (e.g., 2:1 vs 2.5:1 in the above example). In the current investigation, we used concurrent arrangements in which the unit price of the response alternatives was systematically altered to favor either impulsive responding, self control responding, or to be equivalent for both options. Results showed that responding was influenced by unit price, such that the participant would engage in “self control” responding without being specifically taught to do so. Results are discussed in terms of the relative effects of unit price and reinforcer magnitude on responding during self-control arrangements. |
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| 53. Automatic Reinforcement as a Maintaining Variable for Aggression |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| JAYME MEWS (The University of Iowa), Joel Eric Ringdahl (The University of Iowa), Eric Boelter (The University of Iowa), Nathan Call (Marcus Autism Center), Tory J. Christensen (The University of Iowa) |
| Abstract: Previous studies have suggested that aggressive behavior is typically maintained by variables in the social environment (e.g., attention from care providers or escape from nonpreferred tasks). In our study, a functional analysis was conducted for several individuals to identify reinforcers maintaining severe aggression. Results of the initial functional analysis indicated that participants were likely to engage in aggression during both social and non-social conditions within the functional analysis. That is, the results were inconclusive with respect to identifying a social function. Following the initial functional analysis, subsequent assessment for each participant was conducted using varying designs including: extended ignore analysis and pairwise analysis. Results suggested that, for some individuals, aggressive behavior may be maintained by automatic reinforcement. Interobserver agreement was collected for at least twenty percent of the sessions for each participant with no less than ninety percent agreement. |
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| 54. An Evaluation of Two Methods for Presenting New Foods to Children Exhibiting Food Selectivity |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| ANNMARIE MARANDO (St. Joseph's Children's Hospital), Merrill J. Berkowitz (St. Joseph's Children's Hospital), Paula Tokar (St. Joseph's Children's Hospital), Ines Huggle (St. Joseph's Children's Hospital), Manuel Aguda (St. Joseph's Children's Hospital) |
| Abstract: Research has examined the rate of acquisition of unknown items when varying ratios of known to unknown items are presented. This research has indicated that when a higher percentage of unknown items are presented, acquisition to these items will occur at a higher rate (Roberts and Shapiro, 1996). The current study examines the rate of acquisition towards the consumption of new or unknown food items when two ratios (i.e., 50:50 and 100:0) of unknown to known food items are presented to children exhibiting food selectivity. Two children admitted to an intensive day treatment program for the assessment and treatment of food selectivity participated in the current study. A food preference assessment (Fisher et al., 1992) was conducted at the beginning of the admission to determine each participant’s preferred or known food items and non-preferred or unknown items. Using a multielement design, the rates of acquisition with acceptance and consumption of new items were evaluated. Escape extinction and differential reinforcement were required with each participant. Preliminary results indicate that acquisition was faster under the higher ratio of unknown to known food items. Implications of the study’s results are discussed. |
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| 55. A Functional Analysis of Disrobing |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| AIMEE E. HOLSTE (Bancroft NeuroHealth), April S. Worsdell (Bancroft NeuroHealth) |
| Abstract: Functional analyses often are conducted to identify the variables maintaining problem behavior. During the majority of functional analyses, there are unlimited opportunities for an individual to engage in the targeted problem behavior. In the case of disrobing, the opportunity to engage in the behavior is restricted after one occurrence (i.e., disrobing cannot continue to occur if all clothing has been removed). The present study was conducted to determine the function of disrobing in a twelve-year old child with autism. No interaction, attention, toy play, and demand conditions were assessed. In order to provide multiple opportunities to disrobe, the therapist replaced an article of clothing on a fixed-time schedule across all conditions. During 20% of sessions, interobserver agreement data were collected. The mean agreement for all behaviors was 100%. Results of the functional analysis showed that disrobing was maintained by negative reinforcement (escape from demands). |
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| 56. An Assessment of Treatment Components Across Home, Clinic, and Community Settings using Brief Functional Analysis Methodology |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| ANDREW W. GARDNER (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Julia T. O'Connor (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Rebeca Grinstead (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
| Abstract: Many professionals are time limited in clinic, home, and school settings therefore finding brief functional analyses (BFA) appropriate, useful, and effective. BFA methodology provides the means to use modified and tightly controlled experimental procedures to meet the pragmatic limitations of an outpatient clinic setting (Wacker & Steege, 1993). Previous investigations have demonstrated that it is possible to use BFA’s in order to evaluate antecedents and consequences maintaining appropriate and aberrant behavior (Wacker, et al., 1990; Cooper et al. 1992; Harding et al., 1994). The current study evaluated the effectiveness of the treatment components for aggressive behavior with an 11 year-old Hispanic boy diagnosed with a seizure disorder and moderate mental retardation. The child had a previous inpatient hospitalization with follow up services provided through an outpatient clinic. A functional assessment of aggression and a treatment component analysis were conducted across an outpatient clinic and home settings using brief functional analysis methodology. The treatments were probed individually and new components compared. Those components which provided the lowest percentages of aggression were practiced and generalized across clinic, home and community settings. The child’s mother acted as therapist across all conditions. Reliability data were collected for 86% of the sessions averaging 70%. |
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| 57. A Parent Implemented Behavior Program to Decrease Disruptive Behaviors |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| DANIEL W. SMITH (Capitol Region Education Council) |
| Abstract: A habit reversal procedure similar to Woods, et al (1996) was applied to four disruptive behaviors with an adolescent with developmental disabilities in a home setting. Four intervention phases were applied sequentially by the participant’s mother over 10 mos. The frequency of disruptive behaviors was recorded. Phase one consisted of awareness training in which the target behaviors were labeled as they occurred. Phase two consisted of awareness training plus self-monitoring. In phase three, a DRL with a changing criterion was used. Phase four consisted of maintenance of the previous procedures plus response cost. During baseline, the combined mean rate of insults complaining invading personal space and non-compliance was 20.4 responses per day. During Phase one the combined mean rate was 24.6 responses per day. The combined mean rate during phase two was 18.2 responses per day. During phase 3 the combined mean rate was 4.5 responses per day. In the final phase, the combined mean rate was 1.6 responses per day. |
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| 58. Increasing the Effectiveness of Goal Setting Using Performance Management |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| ASHTON J. ROBINSON (Southern Illinois University), Kenneth W. Wilson (Southern Illinois University), Susan A. Parker-Singler (Southern Illinois University), James L. Soldner (Southern Illinois University), Stacey L. Small (Southern Illinois University), John M. Guercio (Center for Comprehensive Services), Mark R. Dixon (Southern Illinois University) |
| Abstract: This study utilized a behavioral skills training approach to increase staff and participant’s knowledge and completion of objective goal setting. In the present study, individuals with acquired brain injury participated in a weekly team meeting in which they set goals, and a second weekly meeting where they received feedback on their performance on those goals. During baseline participants received limited instruction and reinforcement for attending groups, setting objective goals, or meeting those goals. Results during baseline showed low attendance at group contracting sessions and poor performance on setting and attaining objective goals. The treatment protocol increased the quality and completion of goals for many of the participants involved. These data suggest that a relatively easy to implement goal setting program can improve the frequency of attendance in clinical sessions and also improve rehabilitation for persons with traumatic brain injury. |
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| 59. Impact of Environmental Factors on Children with Developmental Disability-Testing Transaction Model |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| YOUNG SOOK CHUNG (Daegu University, South Korea), In Soo Cho (Daegu University, South Korea), Chi Youn Yoon (Choon Hae University), Heung Shin Jin (Daegu University, South Korea) |
| Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify potential risk dimensions for children with developmental delay or at-risk children and to test transactional model, taking the role of environment in affecting the development of children into account. This study assumes that children's developmental outcomes are a product of the combination of an individual and his or her experience. Also, the development of children is regarded as a product of the continuous interactions of the children and the experience provided the family and social context. Data were factor analyzed, and the results revealed four different risk dimension types : impulse-aggressive, physical-immature, cognitive-immature, social- immature dimension. Applying structural equations for the causes of the endogenous variables (i. e., children's developmental delay, parent's anxiety, children's difficult temperament, parent's avoidance, and children's potential risk dimensions) hypothesized transactional model in this study was proved, implying that children's developmental delay or outcome was neither a function of the initial state of the children alone nor of the initial state of the environment alone. Similarities and differences in risk dimension types are discussed, and implications for children as well as family welfare policies are provided. |
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| 60. Comparison of Three Methods of Preference Testing in People with Profound Multiple Impairments |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| MURIEL D. SAUNDERS (University of Kansas), Richard R. Saunders (University of Kansas) |
| Abstract: Three methods for testing preferences of people with very limited motor movements and no formal communication skills were examined. An interface enabled operation of leisure devices via an adaptive switch. The interface also enabled two different switch-closure consequences: (a) switch closures Activated a device or (b) switch closures Deactivated a device that was already operating. Relative preference for two devices was tested in 45-min sessions in 10 adults. First, each session tested a single device, with devices alternated across 6 sessions with consequence (a): Activation by switch closure. Next, each session tested a single device, with devices alternated across 6 sessions with consequence (b): Deactivation by switch closure. Thirdly, in a Two-Choice Method, both devices were present each session. On odd numbered days, a switch closure Deactivated Device 2 and Activated Device 1; releasing the switch reversed that change. On even-numbered days, a switch closure Deactivated Device 1 and Activated Device 2. Results from the Two-Choice Method indicated that 6 individuals showed a preference for one item over the other, 1 showed a preference for controlling both devices, and 2 showed no preference. Also, the Two-Choice Method showed more preference differentiation than either of the other methods. |
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| 61. Assessment to Reduce Tics by Delivering High Rates of Conversation during High Preference and Low Preference Tasks |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| CHRISTOPHER M. MASTERSON (Bancroft NeuroHealth), Christine Horvath (Bancroft NeuroHealth), Michael Jordan (Bancroft NeuroHealth), Deborah A. Napolitano (Bancroft NeuroHealth) |
| Abstract: Persons with Tourette’s syndrome often display repetitive movements such as tics. When severe, tics can interfere with a person’s ability to function independently. Therefore, identifying the operant function of a person’s tics might be beneficial to the development of an effective treatment. An initial functional analysis conducted with a 16-year-old female diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome and mild MR suggested that her tics were maintained by automatic reinforcement. However, anecdotal observations suggested that the participant might engage in a lower rate of tics when engaged in conversations about preferred topics and a higher rate of tics when prompted to complete demands. Based on these observations, we evaluated four conditions: a) demands using high-preference activities with high social attention, b) demands using high-preference activities with low social attention, c) demands using low-preference activities with high social attention, and d) demands using low-preference activities with low social attention. We also included an alone condition for comparison. Results indicated that the participant engaged in lower rates of tics when high social attention was provided and the participant was prompted to complete either high or low preference demands. Interobserver agreement was collected for over 25 % of sessions, and averaged at least 80 %. |
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| 62. Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior in Children with Traumatic Brain Injury |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| KYLIE LARSEN (Kennedy Krieger Institute), SungWoo Kahng (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), Susan R. Miller (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Christie Fyffe-Zawisza (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
| Abstract: The importance of a treatment that targets behavioral function has been demonstrated in the research literature as well as applied settings (Iwata et al., 1994). Functional analyses of problem behavior have been effective in identification of variables likely to maintain problem behaviors in a variety of settings such as residential centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, classrooms, and homes. Furthermore, this technology has been used in the evaluation of problem behavior displayed by individuals from a variety of populations such as individuals with developmental disabilities, typically developing children, and individuals with schizophrenia. The present study extends the functional analytic technology to problem behavior displayed by individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Three children participated in this study during the course of their admission to an inpatient unit for children with severe behavior disorders. Participants were admitted for the evaluation and treatment of aggressive and disruptive behaviors and all were between the ages of 9 and 11. A functional analysis (Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman & Richman, 1982/1994) was conducted on each participant’s problem behaviors during 10-20 minute sessions using a multi-element experimental design. Differentiated rates of responding were observed for all participants, suggesting that this technology is effective in identifying the variables that maintain problem behavior displayed by individuals with TBI. |
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| 63. Comparing Moderate-to-Lean and Dense-to-Lean Schedules of Reinforcement |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| TRACI M. BROWN (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Lynn G. Bowman (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Louis P. Hagopian (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Jennifer Lynne Bruzek (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Meghan Moore (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
| Abstract: The majority of studies on behavior reduction interventions using Functional Communication Training (FCT) have not included schedule thinning for communication. In the current investigation, which utilized an ABAB reversal design, extinction plus FCT on an FR1 schedule was successful in reducing the problem behavior of a 9-year-old girl diagnosed with moderate mental retardation. Next, schedule thinning was initiated to make the treatment more feasible in the natural environment. Two alternative reinforcement schedules were compared using a multielement design; 1) a “dense-to-lean” (DTL) schedule, wherein reinforcement was initially delivered on a dense schedule followed by schedule thinning to a progressively leaner schedule, and 2) a “moderate-to-lean” (MTL) schedule, wherein progressively larger jumps were made in thinning the reinforcement schedule. Two observers collected data for 39% of sessions yielding an exact agreement co-efficient of 94%. Results demonstrated that the terminal goal was reached more rapidly using the MTL schedule, suggesting the utility of using relatively lean schedules of reinforcement at the onset of treatment. |
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| 64. Evaluating the Reductive Effects of a Discriminative Stimulus, FCT, Competing Items, and Extinction on Aggressive and Ritualistic Behavior |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| JENNIFER LYNNE BRUZEK (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Lynn G. Bowman (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Kimberly Seckinger (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: The essential features of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are recurrent obsessions or compulsions that are severe enough to be time consuming (i.e., they take more than 1 hour a day) or cause marked distress or significant impairment (DSM –IV, 1994). The ritualistic behaviors of individuals diagnosed with OCD can severely impair their ability to participate in daily life activities. In the current investigation, we evaluated the reductive effects of a discriminative stimulus, competing items, functional communication, and extinction on the ritualistic and aggressive behavior of an 11-year-old male diagnosed with OCD and Autistic Disorder. Following an assessment that indicated the participant engaged in aggressive behavior as a means of gaining access to ritualistic behavior, a treatment consisting of competing items plus extinction was introduced. However, due to clinically insignificant reductions, FCT and a discriminative stimulus, which indicated when the participant would be permitted to engage in rituals and when rituals would be blocked, were added to the treatment using an ABAB design. Results indicated that allowing the participant to request for access to rituals and indicating when that was appropriate, in addition to competing items and extinction, was successful in reducing the aggressive behavior. Reliability data were collected during 51% of sessions yielding an exact agreement coefficient of 98.9%. |
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| 65. Evaluation of Sleep Patterns Among Community-Living Adults with Mental Retardation |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| CHRISTINE M. MAGEE (The May Institute), James M. Sperry (The May Institute), Shawn Parker (The May Institute), James K. Luiselli (The May Institute) |
| Abstract: This paper is a descriptive analysis of the sleep patterns of 59 adults (48 male and 11 female) all diagnosed with Mental Retardation in the mild to profound range. Data was collected in 16 community based residences using a data collection sheet that required observation of the participants at half hour intervals between the hours of 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Participants were recorded as asleep, awake, awake and disruptive, or up and using the bathroom. Results indicate that the participants averaged 7.91 hours of sleep per night and inter-observer agreement was at 100%. Participants were recorded an average of 3.63 hours awake, 5.97 hours awake and disruptive, and 0.51 hours up and using the bathroom. Grouped data indicates that 3.3% of participants averaged 0-4 hours of sleep per night, 15.3% averaged 5-6 hours, and 81.3% averaged 7+ hours of sleep. |
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| 66. Using a Fruit Chaser to Reduce Packing |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| ROBERT-RYAN S. PABICO (Marcus Autism Center), Cathleen C. Piazza (Marcus Autism Center), Meeta R. Patel (Marcus Autism Center), Gregory K. Reed (Marcus Autism Center), James W. Moore (Marcus Autism Center), Melanie H. Bachmeyer (Marcus Autism Center), Stephanie D. Bethke (Marcus Autism Center), Stacy A. Layer (Marcus Autism Center) |
| Abstract: The current study assessed the effects of presenting a bite of pureed fruit (fruit chaser) following the occurrence of packing (pocketing and holding accepted food in the mouth) with 2 participants diagnosed with a pediatric feeding disorder. Packing was associated with insufficient caloric intake, resulting in inadequate weight gain for both participants. We used an ABAB reversal design with one participant and a multiple baseline across food items with the second participant. Two independent observers achieved over 93% agreement on approximately 25% (participant one) and 30% (participant two) of these sessions. High-levels of packing were observed in baseline. Presentation of the fruit chaser was associated with reduced levels of packing for both participants. In addition, the introduction of the fruit chaser was also associated with increased gram intake for both participants relative to baseline. The results are discussed in terms of the potential mechanism(s) by which the fruit chaser was effective in reducing packing and increasing gram intake. |
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| 67. Contingent and Background Attention for Compliance of Preterm Children with Low Birth Weight: A Descriptive Analysis |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| JENNIFER R. THORSTEINSSON (University of Manitoba), Sabrina M. Berry (University of Manitoba), Dickie C. T. Yu (University of Manitoba), Kirsten M. Wirth (University of Manitoba), Kerri L. Walters (University of Manitoba), Garry L. Martin (University of Manitoba), Andrea Marchylo (University of Manitoba) |
| Abstract: This study used the descriptive analysis method proposed by Vollmer, Borrero, Wright, Camp, and Lalli (2001) to analyze parent instructions, child compliance, positive attention, and background positive attention for five 2-year-old preterm children with low birth weight. Data obtained from videotapes of parent-child interactions showed a high rate of instructions and requests (mean = 4.06/min) and a low rate of (mean = .42 per instruction/request). Parents provided significantly mo re direct instructions (mean = 2.88/min) than requests (mean = 1.18/min). As expected, compliance was more likely following direct instructions (mean = .49) than requests (mean = .42), although this difference was not statistically significant. The average probability of positive attention for compliance to all instructions and requests was .73 and was not significantly different from the background probability of positive attention of .91. The results suggest that rate of compliance was adversely affected by high rates of instructions and a lack of differential consequences for compliance. Interobserver reliability averaged 96% (range, 80%-100%) for requests, instructions, compliance, and positive attention. |
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| 68. An Evaluation of State-funded ABA Services Provided to Children Under Age Three |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| JESSICA A. ROYER (Partners in Behavioral Milestones, Inc.), Enedelia A. Sanner (Partners in Behavioral Milestones, Inc.) |
| Abstract: We evaluated the model of ABA service delivery under Part C state funding in the state of Missouri. This included children ages birth to three identified by the state with various developmental disabilities such as autism, pervasive developmental disability not otherwise specified, speech delays, feeding disorders, etc. As part of an inter-disciplinary team, which included Behavior Analysts, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Special Education Teachers, and Physical therapists, we delivered ABA services to children in homes, day care, and in specialized care centers. Each child’s individualized program was solely state funded with limited hours provided in each respective discipline. A description of services as well as a sampling of data for individual clients will be presented. |
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| 69. Assessment and Treatment in a School Setting |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| DEBORAH L. BORDEN-KARASACK (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Julia T. O'Connor (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Gregory Breznican (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
| Abstract: Standard analogue functional analysis procedures used to assess the environmental events that maintain problem behavior (Iwata, et. al, 1994) are often completed in structured, clinical settings vs. natural settings. However, it may not always be possible to replicate naturally occurring events in the clinic (Northrup, et. al, 1994). In this study, a 6 year old boy who reportedly exhibited no problem behaviors at home, but exhibited severe aggression and property destruction in the classroom participated in an experimental functional analysis in his school. Outpatient behavior therapists completed the functional assessment during weekly visits over a 4-week period. The results of the functional assessment showed clear tangible and social attention functions. Inter-rater reliability was completed 25% of the sessions with an average agreement of 92%. These results suggest that when differential reporting of problem behaviors is evident a functional analysis in a natural setting can indicate the maintaining environmental events. Further implications of the value of completing standard functional assessments in the natural setting are discussed. |
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| 70. Concurrent Variable Interval Schedules and the Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| ELIZABETH GIBBONS (Bancroft NeuroHealth), Sheri A. Felice (Bancroft NeuroHealth), James J. Dunleavy (Bancroft NeuroHealth), Patrick R. Progar (Bancroft NeuroHealth), Frances A. Perrin (Bancroft NeuroHealth), Michael C. Davison (The University of Auckland, New Zealand) |
| Abstract: The present study adapted the use of a pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) from basic research findings to an applied setting. The study examined the influence of both proximal contingencies (i.e., those in effect today) and distal contingencies (i.e., those in effect on previous days). The participant was an 18-year old male diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Appropriate and inappropriate behavior were reinforced for 31 sessions in a pseudorandom fashion between concurrent variable interval 15-s variable interval 60-s schedules and concurrent variable interval 60-s variable interval 15-s schedules, followed by 10 sessions conducted on a concurrent variable interval 15-s variable interval 15-s schedule. Interobserver data were collected during 27 of 41 sessions with an average total agreement of 98.14%. The results indicated that proximal (i.e., current) contingencies exerted almost exclusive control over the behavior of the individual. Additionally, the participant displayed a bias toward appropriate behavior. These results suggest that if problem behavior were accidentally reinforced in the future, it would be likely that this individual would continue to engage in appropriate behavior. If a treatment fails in a less restrictive setting, it may be important to assess the degree to which reinforcing inappropriate behavior on an intermittent schedule affects appropriate behavior. |
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| 71. Treatment of Problem Behavior Using Functional Communication Training: Generalization Across Functions and Caregivers |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| SCOTT BRAUD (Louisiana Center for Excellence in Autism), Patricia F. Kurtz (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Iser Guillermo DeLeon (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
| Abstract: Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of functional communication training (FCT) in reducing problem behavior when coupled with extinction. The generalization of those effects to new individuals, settings, and behaviors has also been demonstrated (Derby et al., 1997; Durand & Carr, 1991, 1992; Hagopian et al., 1998); however, few studies have examined the parameters surrounding generalization. The purpose of the current study was to examine the generalization of (1) FCT + Extinction treatment effects and (2) functional communicative responding across caregivers and functions. The problem behavior of a 2-year-old boy was assessed using an analogue functional analysis conducted with two caregivers. Results of the functional analysis suggested that problem behavior was maintained by access to attention and tangible items with both caregivers. FCT + Extinction was implemented using a multiple baseline design across caregivers and functions. The intervention resulted in a 98% decrease in problem behavior and an increase in functional communicative responding. Reliability data were collected on 67% of sessions with a mean reliability coefficient of 94.09. During treatment, instances of stimulus and response generalization were observed. The results are discussed in terms of the strategies used to promote the generalization of treatment effects and communicative responding. |
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| 72. Improving Staff Interactions with Adults with Dual Diagnoses |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| LORI L. FINN (The League Treatment Center), Alan W. Fried (The League Treatment Center), Claire L. Poulson (Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York) |
| Abstract: Research has demonstrated the importance of training staff members working with individuals with developmental disabilities to interact with them frequently and to maintain high rates of positive interactions. This study used components of a training program investigated by Schepis and Reid (1994) to train paraprofessional staff who work with adults dually diagnosed with mental retardation and psychiatric disorders in a day treatment facility. The complete program used in this study included a brief in-service training, after which staff members created their own performance goals. A series of observation sessions was then conducted, followed by verbal and written feedback of staff performance. The results of this multiple-baseline-across-subjects study indicated that all staff members who participated in the complete training program increased the frequency of their interactions with consumers as well as the ratio of positive to non-positive statements made to consumers. Frequency of interactions increased from a mean of 10.6 per five-minute interval during baseline to a mean of 22.3 during treatment. Further, subjects exhibited a mean of 2.3 positive statements and 7.0 non-positive statements per five-minute observation session during baseline and a mean of 10.9 positive and 5.9 non-positive statements during treatment. |
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