Association for Behavior Analysis International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI) is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice.

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43rd Annual Convention; Denver, CO; 2017

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Symposium #42
CE Offered: BACB/QABA — 
Supervision
Reducing Problem Behavior With Functional Communication Training: Two Case Studies
Saturday, May 27, 2017
11:00 AM–11:50 AM
Convention Center Mile High Ballroom 3B
Area: AUT; Domain: Applied Research
Chair: Sigmund Eldevik (Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences)
Discussant: Tara A. Fahmie (California State University, Northridge)
CE Instructor: Sigmund Eldevik, Ph.D.
Abstract:

The two studies used functional communication training on separate individuals with autism spectrum disorder. One of the studies described a synthesized analysis and treatment, where the analysis was based on an open-ended interview and the treatment was functional communication- and delay-tolerance training, on a child with severe problem behavior (Hanley, Jin, Vanselow, & Hanratty, 2014). The second study described a traditional functional analysis(Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, & Richman, 1994) including a precursor analysis as basis for FCT, on an adult with severe problem behavior . The first study was conducted in an early intensive behavior intervention program EIBI in the USA, and the second study was conducted in a residential facility for adults in Norway. Both studies resulted in a considerable reduction in problem behaviors and an increase in appropriate requests. The findings suggest that functional communication training can be used over age range and settings, and lead to meaningful improvements in problem behavior.

Instruction Level: Intermediate
Keyword(s): Autism, Communication Training, Differential reinforcement, Functional analysis
 
Improvements in Problem Behavior with Synthesized Analysis and Treatment: A Systematic Replication in an EIBI Home Program
REBEKKA STRAND (Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sc), Sigmund Eldevik (Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences)
Abstract: A recent study described a synthesized treatment where a functional analysis was based on an open-ended interview and combined with functional communication and delay-tolerance training (Hanley, Jin, Vanselow, & Hanratty, 2014). The treatment resulted in a reduction in problem behaviors and an increase in appropriate requests. Most of the analysis and intervention were done in a clinic setting and required weekly visits by the family. The present study is a systematic replication, where we conducted the same synthesized treatments, with a young child with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD enrolled in a home based Early Intensive Behavior Intervention program EIBI. Outcomes were similar with a marked reduction in problem behaviors and an increase in appropriate requests. These findings suggest that it is possible to conduct this intervention in a home setting, with weekly consultations with parents. Our study show the utility of the synthesized treatment in an EIBI program in a home setting and how this can contribute to client time and costs.
 
Reduction in Restraints Following a Functional Analysis of Severe Problem Behavior and Communication Training
PETUR | I PETURSSON (Agency for Social and Welfare Services, Support Se), Sigmund Eldevik (Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences)
Abstract: We combined functional analysis of problem behavior and precursors and subsequent communication training in an attempt to reduce the time in restraint of an adult male with severe and persistent problem behavior. The highest frequencies of problem behavior were seen in the demand conditions, but the frequencies of precursors were less differentiated across conditions. We applied functional communication training to establish an alternative response to escape demands. This resulted in a reduction in problem behavior, and some reduction in precursors. Restraint reduction followed because of the reduction in problem behavior. Treatment gains, also in terms of restraint reduction were maintained in the client’s natural environment over one year from the initial treatment. Functional analysis and functional communication training are discussed as an option for reducing the use of restraint for adults with severe and persistent problem behaviors.
 

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