Abstract
Adults with autism engage in behaviors that present challenges for themselves and people around them. Problem behaviors can take many forms, including self-injury, aggression, and property destruction. In addition to the risk of injury or damage to property, problem behavior also prevents the development of many desirable behaviors and negatively impact the quality of life for the individual, family members, and others with whom the individual engages. In this chapter, we will describe the function analytic approach to understanding problem behavior. First, we will discuss the evolution of the functional analysis approach, from conceptual to experimental analysis. Next, we will describe a variety of functional assessment approaches, including descriptive and anecdotal assessments. We will then discuss several issues with common functional analysis procedures and describe adaptations to address these concerns, including more efficient functional analyses and analyses of precursors. We will also discuss unique considerations in the analysis of problem behavior of adults with autism, such as subtypes of self-injury and analysis of transitions. Finally, we will describe limitations of the experimental approach to the analysis of problem behavior and offer some recommendations for practitioners.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Adelinis, J. D., & Hagopian, L. P. (1999). The use of symmetrical “do” and “don’t” requests to interrupt ongoing activities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32(4), 519–523. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1999.32-519
Álvarez, J. P., Call, N. A., & Lomas Mevers, J. E. (2014). Increasing the social validity of function-based treatments for problem behavior. Acta de Investigación Psicológica, 4, 1683–1700. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2007-4719(14)70974-3
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.
Anderson, C. M., & Long, E. S. (2002). Use of a structured descriptive assessment methodology to identify variables affecting problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35(2), 137–154. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2002.35-137
Ayllon, T., & Michael, J. (1959). The psychiatric nurse as a behavioral engineer. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 2(4), 323–334. https://doi.org/10.1901/jeab.1959.2-323
Beavers, G. A., Iwata, B. A., & Lerman, D. C. (2013). Thirty years of research on the functional analysis of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.30
Berkson, G., & Mason, W. A. (1964). Stereotyped behaviors of chimpanzees: Relation to general arousal and alternative activities. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 19(2), 635–652. https://doi.org/10.2466/pms.1964.19.2.635
Bird, F. L., & Luiselli, J. K. (2000). Positive behavioral support of adults with developmental disabilities: assessment of long-term adjustment and habilitation following restrictive treatment histories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 31, 5–19.
Bloom, S. E., Iwata, B. A., Fritz, J. N., Roscoe, E. M., & Carreau, A. B. (2011). Classroom application of a trial-based functional analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44(1), 19–31. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-19
Borrero, C. S., & Borrero, J. C. (2008). Descriptive and experimental analyses of potential precursors to problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41(1), 83–96. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2008.41-83
Borrero, J. C., Vollmer, T. R., Wright, C. S., Lerman, D. C., & Kelley, M. E. (2002). Further evaluation of the role of protective equipment in the functional analysis of self-injurious behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35(1), 69–72. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2002.35-69
Brewer, A., Strickland-Cohen, K., Dotson, W., & Williams, D. (2014). Advance notice for transition-related problem behavior: Practice guidelines. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 7, 117–125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-014-0014-3
Broussard, C. D., & Northup, J. (1995). An approach to functional assessment and analysis of disruptive behavior in regular education classrooms. School Psychology Quarterly, 10(2), 151–164. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0088301
Carr, E. G. (1977). The motivation of self-injurious behavior: A review of some hypotheses. Psychological Bulletin, 84(4), 800–816. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.84.4.800
Carr, E. G., & Durand, V. M. (1985). Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18(2), 111–126. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111
Carr, E. G., Newsom, C. D., & Binkoff, J. A. (1976). Stimulus control of self-destructive behavior in a psychotic child. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 4, 139–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00916518
Carr, J. E., Taylor, C. C., Wallander, R. J., & Reiss, M. L. (1996). A functional-analytic approach to the diagnosis of a transient tic disorder. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 27(3), 291–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0005-7916(96)00025-0
Castillo, M. I., Clark, D. R., Schaller, E. A., Donaldson, J. M., DeLeon, I. G., & Kahng, S. (2018). Descriptive assessment of problem behavior during transitions of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51(1), 99–117. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.430
Cautela, J. R., & Baron, M. G. (1977). Covert conditioning: A theoretical analysis. Behavior Modification, 1(3), 351–368. https://doi.org/10.1177/014544557713004
Coffey, A. L., Shawler, L. A., Jessel, J., Nye, M. L., Bain, T. A., & Dorsey, M. (2020). Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analysis (IISCA): Novel interpretations and future directions. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13, 217–225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-019-00348-3
Conners, J., Iwata, B. A., Kahng, S. W., Hanley, G. P., Worsdell, A. S., & Thompson, R. H. (2000). Differential responding in the presence and absence of discriminative stimuli during multielement functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 299–308. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2000.33-299
Corte, H. E., Wolf, M. M., & Locke, B. J. (1971). A comparison of procedures for eliminating self-injurious behavior of retarded adolescents. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 4(3), 201–213. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1971.4-201
de Vries, M., & Geurts, H. (2015). Influence of autism traits and executive functioning on quality of life in children with an autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45, 2734–2743. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2438-1
Deochand, N., Eldridge, R. R., & Peterson, S. M. (2020). Toward the development of a functional analysis risk assessment decision tool. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13, 978–990. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00433-y
Derby, K. M., Wacker, D. P., Sasso, G., Steege, M., Northup, J., Cigrand, K., & Asmus, J. (1992). Brief functional assessment techniques to evaluate aberrant behavior in an outpatient setting: a summary of 79 cases. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25(3), 713–721. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1992.25-713
Dracobly, J. D., & Smith, R. G. (2012). Progressing from identification and functional analysis of precursor behavior to treatment of self-injurious behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45(2), 361–374. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2012.45-361
Dracobly, J. D., Dozier, C. L., Briggs, A. M., & Juanico, J. F. (2018). Reliability and validity of indirect assessment outcomes: Experts versus caregivers. Learning and Motivation, 62, 77–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2017.02.007
Durand, V. M., & Crimmins, D. B. (1988). Identifying the variables maintaining self-injurious behavior. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 18, 99–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02211821
Falcomata, T. S., Roane, H. S., Muething, C. S., Stephenson, K. M., & Ing, A. D. (2012). Functional communication training and chained schedules of reinforcement to treat challenging behavior maintained by terminations of activity interruptions. Behavior Modification, 36(5), 630–649. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445511433821
Favell, J. E., McGimsey, J. F., & Schell, R. M. (1982). Treatment of self-injury by providing alternate sensory activities. Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 2(1), 83–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/0270-4684(82)90007-6
Ferster, C. B. (1961). Positive reinforcement and behavioral deficits of young children. Child Development, 32(3), 437–456. https://doi.org/10.2307/1126210
Fisher, W. W., Adelinis, J. D., Thompson, R. H., Worsdell, A. S., & Zarcone, J. R. (1998). Functional analysis and treatment of destructive behavior maintained by termination of “don’t” (and symmetrical “do”) requests. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31(3), 339–356. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1998.31-339
Fisher, W. W., Greer, B. D., Romani, P. W., Zangrillo, A. N., & Owen, T. M. (2016). Comparisons of synthesized and individual reinforcement contingencies during functional analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49(3), 596–616. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.314
Flannery, K. B., O’Neill, R. E., & Horner, R. H. (1995). Including predictability in functional assessment and individual program development. Education and Treatment of Children, 18(4), 499–509.
Fox, P., & Emerson, E. (2001). Socially valid outcomes of intervention for people with MR and challenging behavior: Views of different stakeholders. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 3(3), 183–189. https://doi.org/10.1177/109830070100300306
Garcia, D., & Smith, R. G. (1999). Using analog baselines to assess the effects of naltrexone on self-injurious behavior. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 20(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0891-4222(98)00028-6
Gardner, A. W., Spencer, T. D., Boelter, E. W., DuBard, M., & Jennett, H. K. (2012). A systematic review of brief functional analysis methodology with typically developing children. Education and Treatment of Children, 35(2), 313–332. http://www.jstor.org/stable/42900159
Gunter, P. L., Denny, R. K., Jack, S. L., Shores, R. E., & Nelson, C. M. (1993). Aversive stimuli in academic interactions between students with serious emotional disturbance and their teachers. Behavioral Disorders, 18(4), 265–274. https://doi.org/10.1177/019874299301800405
Hagopian, L. P., Toole, L. M., Long, E. S., Bowman, L. G., & Lieving, G. A. (2004). A comparison of dense-to-lean and fixed lean schedules of alternative reinforcement and extinction. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37, 323–338. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2004.37-323
Hagopian, L. P., Bruzek, J. L., Bowman, L. G., & Jennett, H. K. (2007). Assessment and treatment of problem behavior occasioned by interruption of free-operant behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40(1), 89–103. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2007.63-05
Hagopian, L. P., Rooker, G. W., & Zarcone, J. R. (2015). Delineating subtypes of self-injurious behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48(3), 523–543. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.236
Hagopian, L. P., Rooker, G. W., Zarcone, J. R., Bonner, A. C., & Arevalo, A. R. (2017). Further analysis of subtypes of automatically reinforced SIB: A replication and quantitative analysis of published datasets. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 50(1), 48–66. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.368
Hammond, J. L., Iwata, B. A., Rooker, G. W., Fritz, J. N., & Bloom, S. E. (2013). Effects of fixed versus random condition sequencing during multielement functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 22–30. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.7
Hanley, G. P. (2012). Functional assessment of problem behavior: Dispelling myths, overcoming implementation obstacles, and developing new lore. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 5, 54–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391818
Hanley, G. P. (2018, August). Implementation assistance. Practical Functional Assessment. https://practicalfunctionalassessment.com/implementation-materials/
Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & McCord, B. E. (2003). Functional analysis of problem behavior: A review. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36(2), 147–185. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2003.36-147
Hanley, G. P., Jin, C. S., Vanselow, N. R., & Hanratty, L. A. (2014). Producing meaningful improvements in problem behavior of children with autism via synthesized analyses and treatments. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47(1), 16–36. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.106
Heath, H., Jr., & Smith, R. G. (2019). Precursor behavior and functional analysis: A brief review. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 52(3), 804–810. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.571
Henry, J. E., Kelley, M. E., LaRue, R. H., Kettering, T. L., Gadaire, D. M., & Sloman, K. N. (2021). Integration of experimental functional analysis procedural advancements: Progressing from brief to extended experimental analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(3), 1045–1061. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.841
Hong, E., Dixon, D. R., Stevens, E., Burns, C. O., & Linstead, E. (2018). Topography and function of problem behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 2, 206–215. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-018-0063-7
Individuals with Disability Education Act Amendments of 1997 [IDEA]. (1997). Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ17/PLAW-105publ17.pdf
Iwata, B. A., & Dozier, C. L. (2008). Clinical application of functional analysis methodology. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1, 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391714
Iwata, B. A., Dorsey, M. F., Slifer, K. J., Bauman, K. E., & Richman, G. S. (1982). Toward a functional analysis of self-injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27(2), 197–209. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1994.27-197
Iwata, B. A., Pace, G. M., Dorsey, M. F., Zarcone, J. R., Vollmer, T. R., Smith, R. G., Rodgers, T. A., Lerman, D. C., Shore, B. A., & Mazalesk, J. L. (1994). The functions of self-injurious behavior: An experimental-epidemiological analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27(2), 215–240. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1994.27-215
Iwata, B. A., Deleon, I. G., & Roscoe, E. M. (2013). Reliability and validity of the functional analysis screening tool. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 271–284. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.31
Jessel, J., Hanley, G. P., & Ghaemmaghami, M. (2016). A translational evaluation of transitions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49(2), 359–376. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.283
Jones, F. H., Simmons, J. Q., & Frankel, F. (1974). An extinction procedure for eliminating self-destructive behavior in a 9-year-old autistic girl. Journal of Autism and Childhood Schizophrenia, 4, 241–250. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02115230
Kahng, S., Iwata, B. A., Fischer, S. M., Page, T. J., Treadwell, K. R., Williams, D. E., & Smith, R. G. (1998). Temporal distributions of problem behavior based on scatter plot analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31(4), 593–604. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1998.31-593
Kahng, S., Hausman, N. L., Fisher, A. B., Donaldson, J. M., Cox, J. R., Lugo, M., & Wiskow, K. M. (2015). The safety of functional analyses of self-injurious behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48(1), 107–114. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.168
Kodak, T., Fisher, W. W., Paden, A., & Dickes, N. (2013). Evaluation of the utility of a discrete-trial functional analysis in early intervention classrooms. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 301–306. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.2
Koritsas, S., & Iacono, T. (2013). Psychometric comparison of the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) and the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF). Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 57(8), 747–757. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12022
Lalli, J. S., Casey, S. D., & Kates, K. (1997). Noncontingent reinforcement as treatment for severe problem behavior: Some procedural variations. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30(1), 127–137. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1997.30-127
Lambert, J. M., Bloom, S. E., Kunnavatana, S. S., Collins, S. D., & Clay, C. J. (2013). Training residential staff to conduct trial-based functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 296–300. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.17
Le, D. D., & Smith, R. G. (2002). Functional analysis of self-injury with and without protective equipment. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 14(3), 277–290. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016028522569
Lecavalier, L., Leone, S., & Wiltz, J. (2006). The impact of behaviour problems on caregiver stress in young people with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 50, 172–183. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2005.00732.x
Lequia, J., Machalicek, W., & Rispoli, M. J. (2012). Effects of activity schedules on challenging behavior exhibited in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6(1), 480–492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2011.07.008
Lerman, D. C., & Iwata, B. A. (1993). Descriptive and experimental analyses of variables maintaining self-injurious behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26(3), 293–319. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1993.26-293
Lovaas, O. I., & Simmons, J. Q. (1969). Manipulation of self-destruction in three retarded children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2(3), 143–157. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1969.2-143
Lovaas, O. I., Freitag, G., Gold, V., & Kassorla, I. C. (1965). Experimental studies in childhood schizophrenia: Analysis of self-destructive behavior. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 2(1), 67–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-0965(65)90016-0
Martens, B. K., Digennaro, F. D., Reed, D. D., Szczech, F. M., & Rosenthal, B. D. (2008). Contingency space analysis: an alternative method for identifying contingent relations from observational data. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41(1), 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2008.41-69
Matson, J. L., & Vollmer, T. (1995). Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF). Disability Consultants.
McCord, B. E., Thomson, R. J., & Iwata, B. A. (2001). Functional analysis and treatment of self-injury associated with transitions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 195–210. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2001.34-195
Neidert, P. L., Iwata, B. A., Dempsey, C. M., & Thomason-Sassi, J. L. (2013). Latency of response during the functional analysis of elopement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 312–316. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.11
Newton, J. T., & Sturmey, P. (1991). The Motivation Assessment Scale: Inter-rater reliability and internal consistency in a British sample. Journal of Mental Deficiency Research, 35(5), 472–474. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.1991.tb00429.x
Northup, J., Wacker, D., Sasso, G., Steege, M., Cigrand, K., Cook, J., & DeRaad, A. (1991). A brief functional analysis of aggressive and alternative behavior in an outclinic setting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24(3), 509–522. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1991.24-509
Oliver, A. C., Pratt, L. A., & Normand, M. P. (2015). A survey of functional behavior assessment methods used by behavior analysts in practice. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 817–829. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.256
Oropeza, M. E., Fritz, J. N., Nissen, M. A., Terrell, A. S., & Phillips, L. A. (2018). Effects of therapist-worn protective equipment during functional analysis of aggression. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5(3), 681–686. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.457
Paclawskyj T. R, Matson J. L, Rush K. S, Smalls Y, Vollmer T. R. (2001). Assessment of the convergent validity of the Questions about Behavioral Function (QABF) Scale with analogue functional analysis and the Motivation Assessment Scale. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 45, 484–494. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365–2788.2001.00364.x
Pelios, L., Morren, J., Tesch, D., & Axelrod, S. (1999). The impact of functional analysis methodology on treatment choice for self-injurious and aggressive behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 185–195.
Pence, S. T., Roscoe, E. M., Bourret, J. C., & Ahearn, W. H. (2009). Relative contributions of three descriptive methods: Implications for behavioral assessment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42(2), 425–446. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2009.42-425
Peterson, R. F., & Peterson, L. R. (1968). The use of positive reinforcement in the control of self-destructive behavior in a retarded boy. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 6(3), 351–360. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-0965(68)90116-1
Petursdottir, A. I., Esch, J. W., Sautter, R. A., & Stewart, K. K. (2010). Characteristics and hypothesized functions of challenging behavior in a community-based sample. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 45, 81–93. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23880152
Pyles, D. A., Muniz, K., Cade, A., & Silva, R. (1997). A behavioral diagnostic paradigm for integrating behavior-analytic and psychopharmacological interventions for people with a dual diagnosis. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 18(3), 185–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0891-4222(97)00003-6
Reimers, T. M., Wacker, D. P., Cooper, L. J., Sasso, G. M., Berg, W. K., & Steege, M. W. (1993). Assessing the functional properties of noncompliant behavior in an outpatient setting. Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 15(3), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1300/J019v15n03_01
Richman, D. M., Barnard-Brak, L., Grubb, L., Bosch, A., & Abby, L. (2015). Meta-analysis of noncontingent reinforcement effects on problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48(1), 131–152. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.189
Rincover, A., & Devaney, J. (1982). The application of sensory extinction procedures to self-injury. Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 2(1), 67–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/0270-4684(82)90006-4
Ringdahl, J. E., & Sellers, J. A. (2000). The effects of different adults as therapists during functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33(2), 247–250. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2000.33-247
Romanczyk, R. G., & Goren, E. R. (1975). Severe self-injurious behavior: The problem of clinical control. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 43(5), 730–739. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.43.5.730
Rooker, G. W., Bonner, A. C., Dillon, C. M., & Zarcone, J. R. (2018). Behavioral treatment of automatically reinforced SIB: 1982–2015. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51(4), 974–997. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.492
Roscoe, E. M., Iwata, B. A., & Goh, H. L. (1998). A comparison of noncontingent reinforcement and sensory extinction as treatments for self-injurious behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31(4), 635–646. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1998.31-635
Roscoe, E. M., Phillips, K. M., Kelly, M. A., Farber, R., & Dube, W. V. (2015). A statewide survey assessing practitioners’ use and perceived utility of functional assessment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 830–844. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.259
Sabuncuoglu, O., Irmak, M. Y., Demir, N. U., Murat, D., Tumba, C., & Yilmaz, Y. (2015). Sibling death after being thrown from window by brother with autism: Defenestration, an emerging high-risk behavior. Case Reports in Psychiatry, 2015, 463694. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/463694
Sigafoos, J., & Saggers, E. (1995). A discrete-trial approach to the functional analysis of aggressive behaviour in two boys with autism. Australia & New Zealand Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 20(4), 287–297. https://doi.org/10.1080/07263869500035621
Sigafoos, J., Kerr, M., & Roberts, D. (1994). Interrater reliability of the Motivation Assessment Scale: Failure to replicate with aggressive behavior. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 15(5), 333–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/0891-4222(94)90020-5
Smith, R. G., & Churchill, R. M. (2002). Identification of environmental determinants of behavior disorders through functional analysis of precursor behaviors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35(2), 125–136. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2002.35-125
Smith, R. G., & Iwata, B. A. (1997). Antecedent influences on behavior disorders. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30(2), 343–375. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1997.30-343
Smith, C. M., Smith, R. G., Dracobly, J. D., & Pace, A. P. (2012). Multiple-respondent anecdotal assessments: An analysis of interrater agreement and correspondence with analogue assessment outcomes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45(4), 779–795. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2012.45-779
Smolev, S. R. (1971). Use of operant techniques for the modification of self-injurious behavior. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 76(3), 295–305.
Sturmey, P. (1994). Assessing the functions of aberrant behaviors: A review of psychometric instruments. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 24(3), 293–304. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02172228
Thomason-Sassi, J. L., Iwata, B. A., Neidert, P. L., & Roscoe, E. M. (2011). Response latency as an index of response strength during functional analyses of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44(1), 51–67. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-51
Thomason-Sassi, J. L., Iwata, B. A., & Fritz, J. N. (2013). Therapist and setting influences on functional analysis outcomes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 79–87. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.28
Thompson, R. H., & Iwata, B. A. (2001). A descriptive analysis of social consequences following problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34(2), 169–178. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2001.34-169
Thompson, R. H., & Iwata, B. A. (2007). A comparison of outcomes from descriptive and functional analyses of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40(2), 333–338. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2007.56-06
Tiger, J. H., Fisher, W. W., Toussaint, K. A., & Kodak, T. (2009). Progressing from initially ambiguous functional analyses: Three case examples. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 30(5), 910–926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2009.01.005
Touchette, P. E., MacDonald, R. F., & Langer, S. N. (1985). A scatter plot for identifying stimulus control of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18(4), 343–351. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-343
Umbreit, J. (1996). Functional analysis of disruptive behavior in an inclusive classroom. Journal of Early Intervention, 20(1), 18–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/105381519602000104
Vollmer, T. R., Marcus, B. A., Ringdahl, J. E., & Roane, H. S. (1995). Progressing from brief assessments to extended experimental analyses in the evaluation of aberrant behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 28(4), 561–576. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1995.28-561
Vollmer, T. R., Northup, J., Ringdahl, J. E., Leblanc, L. A., & Chauvin, T. M. (1996). Functional analysis of severe tantrums displayed by children with language delays: An outclinic assessment. Behavior Modification, 20(1), 97–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/01454455960201005
Vollmer, T. R., Borrero, J. C., Wright, C. S., Van Camp, C., & Lalli, J. S. (2001). Identifying possible contingencies during descriptive analyses of severe behavior disorders. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34(3), 269–287. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2001.34-269
Wacker, D. P., Lee, J. F., Padilla Dalmau, Y. C., Kopelman, T. G., Lindgren, S. D., Kuhle, J., Pelzel, K. E., Dyson, S., Schieltz, K. M., & Waldron, D. B. (2013). Conducting functional communication training via telehealth to reduce the problem behavior of young children with autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 25, 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-012-9314-0
Walsh, C. E., Mulder, E., & Tudor, M. E. (2013). Predictors of parent stress in a sample of children with ASD: Pain, problem behavior, and parental coping. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 7(2), 256–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2012.08.010
Watson, T. S., & Sterling, H. E. (1998). Brief functional analysis and treatment of a vocal tic. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31(3), 471–474. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1998.31-471
Weiher, R. G., & Harman, R. E. (1975). The use of omission training to reduce self-injurious behavior in a retarded child. Behavior Therapy, 6(2), 261–268. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7894(75)80151-1
Weiss, J. A., Cappadocia, M. C., MacMullin, J. A., Viecili, M., & Lunsky, Y. (2012). The impact of child problem behaviors of children with ASD on parent mental health: The mediating role of acceptance and empowerment. Autism, 16(3), 261–274. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361311422708
Wiskirchen, R. R., Deochand, N., & Peterson, S. M. (2017). Functional analysis: A need for clinical decision support tools to weigh risks and benefits. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 17, 325–333. https://doi.org/10.1037/bar0000088
Wolf, M., Risley, T., Johnston, M., Harris, F., & Allen, E. (1967). Application of operant conditioning procedures to the behavior problems of an autistic child: A follow-up and extension. Behavior Research and Therapy, 5(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(67)90004-6
Zarcone, J. R., Rodgers, T. A., Iwata, B. A., Rourke, D. A., & Dorsey, M. F. (1991). Reliability analysis of the Motivation Assessment Scale: A failure to replicate. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 12(4), 349–360. https://doi.org/10.1016/0891-4222(91)90031-m
Zimmerman, E. H., & Zimmerman, J. (1962). The alteration of behavior in a special classroom situation. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 5(1), 59–60. https://doi.org/10.1901/jeab.1962.5-59
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Dracobly, J.D., Smith, R.G. (2022). Functional Analysis of Behavioral Challenges with Adults with Autism. In: Leaf, J.B., Cihon, J.H., Ferguson, J.L., Gerhardt, P.F. (eds) Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98507-3_16
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98507-3_16
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-98506-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-98507-3
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyBehavioral Science and Psychology (R0)