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An Evaluation of the Functions of Challenging Behavior in Toddlers with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Despite the early onset of challenging behaviors, there is a lack of research investigating the function of challenging behavior in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities (DDs). The current study evaluated group differences in the frequency and severity of five functions of challenging behavior (i.e., Attention, Escape, Nonsocial, Physical, Tangible). A total sample of 98 toddlers, aged 19–40 months, were classified into the ASD group or the atypical development group. No group differences were found in regard to the reported frequency of the function of behavior. Group differences in the severity of the function of behavior were found in the Attention function only. Significant differences across ASD symptom severity groups were also found in the Attention and Nonsocial functions. Clinical implications of the current findings are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Esther Hong & Johnny L. Matson

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  1. Esther Hong
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  2. Johnny L. Matson
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Correspondence to Esther Hong.

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Conflict of Interest

Mrs. Deann Matson, Dr. Johnny L. Matson’s spouse, is the sole owner of the Questions About Behavioral Functioning (QABF) and sells the scale. Esther Hong declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

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Hong, E., Matson, J.L. An Evaluation of the Functions of Challenging Behavior in Toddlers with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Dev Phys Disabil 33, 85–97 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-020-09734-0

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