Association for Behavior Analysis International

The most important advancement in the treatment of destructive behavior is the development of functional analysis (FA), which behavior analysts use to prescribe effective treatments. One such treatment is functional communication training (FCT), which behavior analysts typically prescribe when an FA implicates social reinforcers (e.g., attention) for destructive behavior. With FCT, the interventionist delivers the consequence that has historically reinforced destructive behavior, contingent on an appropriate communication response, and places problem behavior on extinction. Although this straightforward approach can be highly effective, many pitfalls and practical challenges arise when caregivers in natural community settings implement this treatment. In this presentation, I will present data and describe a line of research rooted in behavioral momentum theory that is aimed at increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, and practicality of FCT for individuals with ASD who display destructive behavior in typical community settings.