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| Establishing Quality Outcomes for Individuals with Severe Challenging Behaviors |
| Tuesday, June 1, 2004 |
| 12:00 PM–1:20 PM |
| Beacon H |
| Area: CSE/DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Stephen R. Anderson (Summit Educational Resources) |
| Discussant: Paul A. Dores (Private Practice) |
| Abstract: Learning Objectives
The significance of ongoing need for functional analysis
The importance of antecedent management strategies to reduce challenging behaviors
The significance of ecological validity and balancing with experimental vigor |
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| Periodic Use of Brief Functional Analysis to Manage Behavior Maintained by Changing Environmental Variables |
| JOHN STOKES (Vinfen Corporation), Patricia A. Finney (Vinfen Corporation), Michael F. Dorsey (Simmons College) |
| Abstract: A brief functional assessment was conducted on an adult with moderate developmental disabilities within a community-based residential setting. In order to identify the maintaining controlling variables within the residence, the subject was exposed to one of three conditions during a ten-minute session. Conditions rotated in the following order for all fifteen sessions; play, social disproval, demand. Procedures were set up according to research conducted on functional analysis (Iwata et al., 1982). Results indicated that the problem behavior was maintained by negative reinforcement. Treatment was delivered and the behavior decelerated yet experienced spontaneous recovery months later at home and during transitions. Two additional brief functional analysis indicated that the individual's aggressive behavior was now maintained by negative attention in the home and tangible variables during transitions. Based on the results of assessment, a treatment program was redesigned to be functionally appropriate across all settings. Results showed a decrease in aggression for the individual in all environments. Results are discussed indicating how the environmental variable controlling behavior can change and periodic assessment is imperative. |
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| A Multiple Treatment Approach to Address Challenging Behaviors in a Young Boy with Autism |
| FRANK L. BIRD (Melmark New England) |
| Abstract: This presentation examines the long-term outcome of a multi-component treatment approach based on positive behavior support for a young boy with severe behavior challenges. The focus of programming for this individual included:
1. Ongoing descriptive and functional analysis of challenging behaviors to identify the eliciting and maintaining variables;
2. Antecedent control strategies to facilitate positive behavior;
3. Interventions embedded in the contexts of everyday life;
4. Expanded community and family opportunities as self-regulation improved.
As a result of intervention, the young boy's challenging behaviors were reduced to near zero frequency as his participation in educational and social activities increased. Although reduction of challenging behaviors was a priority for this individual, the clinical approach was to assist him in achieving a lifestyle change by positively addressing many dimensions that define quality of life. Specific areas included establishing social relationships, re-establishing family bonds, improving choice-making skills, increasing community access and increasing recreation and leisure opportunities. Future programming will be discussed including the need to assist this individual with a support plan that is needs driven. The guiding principle that will be presented is that if an individual's needs are correctly assessed and met, then one's quality of life will continue to improve, and challenging behaviors will be reduced and perhaps eliminated. |
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| A Multidimensional Approach to Reducing Behavior Problems in a Young Child with Autism |
| MARCUS L. THOMEER (Summit Educational Resources), Douglas C. King (Summit Educational Resources), Christopher Nalbach (Summit Educational Resources), Gretchen Constantino (Summit Educational Resources), Stephen R. Anderson (Summit Educational Resources) |
| Abstract: This presentation will illustrate the analysis of a young boy's challenging behaviors and the implementation of a multi-treatment approach to address these deficiencies. Because early management of increasing behavior problems was poorly conceived by previous community vendors, this individual required intensive and long-term behavioral supports, including appropriate and safe housing, well-designed skills training offered by competent staff, and appropriate social, educational, and environmental supports. Everyday interactions and activities were designed to systematically promote independence in self-awareness, planning and decision-making, strategic thinking, and self-regulation of emotions. It was hypothesized from detailed descriptive analysis that the subject's challenging behaviors were associated with his inability to functionally communicate his needs of escape, attention and tangible items, thereby suggesting the importance of focusing on communication, behavior antecedents and setting events. The focus of programming included ongoing functional analysis within a community-based setting, the design of functional communication training and antecedent management strategies. Data will be presented showing a significant decrease in targeted behaviors, a simultaneous increase in communication and adaptive skills and the generalization of positive outcome across settings. |
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