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An Indirect Examination of the Function of Problem Behavior Associated with Fragile X Syndrome and Smith-Magenis Syndrome

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Abstract

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) are associated with a number of specific topographies of problem behavior. Very few studies have examined the function served by problem behavior in these groups. Using the Questions About Behavioral Function scale Matson and Vollmer (User’s guide: questions about behavioral function (QABF). Scientific Publishers Inc., Baton Rouge, LA, 1995) the current study examined group differences in the function of problem behavior displayed by children with FXS and SMS, in comparison to a control group of children with non-specific intellectual and developmental disabilities. Between-group analyses showed children with SMS were more likely to display problem behavior related to physical discomfort. Both within- and between-group analyses showed children with FXS were less likely to display attention-maintained problem behavior. These findings hold implications for the assessment, treatment and prevention of problem behavior associated with both FXS and SMS.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a grant from Remedi, and from a studentship to the first author from the Economic and Social Research Council. The authors would like to thank the Fragile X Society, the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, and Unique, as well as Dr Alex Magee (Belfast City Hospital NHS Trust), Dr John Tolmie (Yorkhill NHS Trust), Dr Alan Fryer (Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital NHS Trust), Dr Trevor Cole (Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust) and Dr Val Davidson (Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust) for their help in recruiting participants for the study.

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  1. Paul Langthorne

    Present address: School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

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  1. Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7LZ, UK

    Paul Langthorne & Peter McGill

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Correspondence to Paul Langthorne.

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A version of this paper was submitted to the University of Kent in partial completion of the first author’s doctoral dissertation.

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Langthorne, P., McGill, P. An Indirect Examination of the Function of Problem Behavior Associated with Fragile X Syndrome and Smith-Magenis Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 201–209 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1229-6

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