Reducing Behavior Problems Through Functional Communication Training

Development of an intervention is the final step in the functional behavior assessment (FBA) process. In the completion of the FBA antecedent and reinforcing contingencies are identified which can be manipulated to prevent the behavior from occurring, remove reinforcement for engaging in the undesired behavior, or be utilized to reinforce alternate behaviors (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007). An FBA is a necessary component of the intervention process in that it provides the necessary information with regard to the function of the behavior through the systematic manipulation of environmental variables thought to maintain the problem under controlled conditions; yielding a clear demonstration of the interaction between the independent variable

Martin, a behavior analyst, is working with Sara, a 14-year-old girl with severe developmental delays who exhibits self-injurious behavior (SIB). The self-injurious behaviors included pulling her hair, biting her arm and banging her head against the wall. After conducting a functional analysis, Martin decided to employ an intervention program consisting of differential reinforcement of other (DRO) desired behavior. Martin collected data on Sara's SIB before and during the intervention. Below is a depiction of the data that Martin collected:

According to behaviorist principles, adults can increase their capacity for modifying the behavior of children by:

In the article “Reducing Behavior Problems Through Functional Communication Training” the authors Carr and Durand conduct two experiments with the goal of identifying and replacing problem behaviors in educational formats. As stated in the article this study has a dual purpose. The first, was to develop a method for identifying and assessing the educational situations in which behavior problems reliably occur and, second, to use the assessment information in order to select replacement behaviors (Carr & Durand, 1985, p.112). The participant in this study were children from a day school program which was developed for mentally disabled children. These children were interviewed and the first four children that met the criteria were chosen. The criteria for this study was that they displayed a minimum of one problem behavior per

Verbal prompts, redirection to remain focused on a given task, minimize outdoor play, reduced iPad games and parent meeting. The results of interventions are diverse. Adriel would respond to previous intervention such as less outdoor play and parent meeting by behaving in class and follow directions for outdoor play for the first two days of the week and then the behavior occurs again. Verbal prompting often works for the first 2 minutes and then the behavior occurs again. The support and one-to-one attention given from the staff during transitions decreased the incidents of noncompliance, pushing and yelling. The staff will model, role play, practice and discuss all these intervention strategies to support Adriel. He will be given attention when he shows replacement behaviors.

Among the most widely disseminated procedures derived directly from the principles of applied behavior analysis have been those applied to the analysis and treatment of common childhood problems (e.g., Arndorfer, Allen, & Aljazireh, 1999; Schroeder & Gordon, 1991; Watson & Gresham, 1998). Applied behavior analysts have developed a countless effective interventions for common childhood problems and have repeatedly demonstrated that, even in loosely controlled applied environments, behavior often responds rather quickly to properly managed contingencies. Yet, despite these successes, some have maintained that simply providing repeated demonstrations of the effectiveness of behavioral technology eventually will yield diminishing returns to the field (Kunkel, 1987). The success of an intervention is dependent not only upon its effectiveness but also upon its precise delivery by a clinician and the consistency with which parents and staff implement that treatment with all of its essential

Children model their own behaviour on others and if adults can effectively communicate and exchange age or developmental appropriate information with children this can encourage them to behave in acceptable ways. Frustration at their own inability to communicate effectively can lead to behavioural problems.

Intervention: MHP educated Timothy on the importance of exhibiting appropriate behavior. MHP provided skills training to teach Timothy ways to manage his behavior. MHP utilized a behavioral personal contract to give Timothy ownership of his behavior. MHP aided Timothy in identifying negative consequences that can occur as a result of inappropriate behavior. MHP guided Timothy in exploring factors that contribute to his unacceptable behavior. MHP provided Timothy an educational worksheet on setting behavioral goals. MHP used the thought-stopping technique for anger control. MHP asserted positive reinforcements for positive behavior.

When a student who has a disability’s educational placement is changed due to challenging behavior, a functional behavior assessment must be conducted. Functional behavior assessment (FBA) is used to aid in the development of behavior intervention plans (BIP’s). In a functional assessment, the type and the source of reinforcement for problem behaviors are used as a basis for intervention efforts that are designed to increase occurrence. Functional analysis can also be used to determine the specific function of a behavior, but FBA’s are more commonly used, especially in school settings. In a functional analysis (FA), antecedents and consequences that represent those in the person’s natural environment are arranged so that their effects on the problem behavior can be observed and measured. The difference between a functional analysis and functional behavior assessment is that the assessment establishes a connection between the behavior and antecedent or the consequent variables, but a functional analysis identifies informal relationships. For this reason, a functional analysis is seen to be a more valid tool for identifying the function of a behavior; however, there are limitations to using a functional analysis. This method may momentarily strengthen the problem behavior or result in the behavior acquiring new functions. Federal mandates like IDEA 2004 and school reforms such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) have played a role in the increase of the

In an Assessment and Treatment of Excessive Straightening and Destructive Behavior in an Adolescent Diagnosed with Autism, response blocking with functional communication training with a 16-year boy that was diagnosed with autism and moderate mental retardation. The authors examined repetitive behaviors such as excessive straightening of the participant who had been admitted into an inpatient clinic because of he was engaging in frequent and persistent straightening behaviors at school and home. Data was collected on the straightening behaviors The procedures entailed 10-s observation intervals and Inter-observer agreement (IOA) was assessed 89% cross conditions and IOA was calculated by interval-by-interval. The observers recorded 100% of occurrence of straightening behavior. Following series of functional analysis of response blocking in combination with functional communication, extinction of destructive behaviors and blocking of repetitive of straightening behaviors showed to be effective in reducing straightening

To do so, the researchers conducted functional behavior assessments (FBAs) on the participant who was three years old. Based on the results, the researchers anticipated that the participant would gain appropriate self-control and be less reliant on teacher prompts. The results showed a dramatic decrease in problem behaviors and increase in compliance during transitions. The schedule boards helped the child to keep track of the day’s events and to develop an understanding of time frames and environmental

Behavior health services rendered to child/adolescents who suffer from poor social skills, educational obstacles, grief, physical and sexual abuse. A treatment plan is initiated for children/adolescents and parent the treatment plan will focus on evidence based

In applied behavior analysis behaviorists use techniques such as functional behavior assessment (FBA), to create functionally-based interventions that target maladaptive behavior. The goal of an FBA is to identify the conditions that predict behavior and the consequences that maintain behavior (Carr et al., 2002). If the link between antecedent, behavior, and consequence can be established, it will be possible to alter a behavior by changing its predictive stimuli and maintaining consequences (Bender, 2015). After forming this link by collecting data, a behavior intervention plan (BIP) will be created to diminish problem behavior (Bender, 2015). This BIP must target the function of the behavior and

Children look to adults, parents, and teachers for approval in order to confirm that the behaviors they are exhibiting are ones that are desired (Lawhon & Lawhon, 2000). By acknowledging the child’s behavior as appropriate we teach the child which behaviors are preferred over others (Bukatko & Daehler, 2001).

There are four different types of skills that make up the macro part of attending behavior. The first one is eye contact. Personally, making eye contact with people is not the biggest issue that I have. I make eye contact with a person to show that I am interested in their conversation. When making eye contact I do not stare directly in their eyes instead I stare in the middle of their head so I would not make it awkward. The reason I do not have a big issue with eye contact is because I took public speaking when I was a freshman and it helped me because I was forced to stand in front of people and look them in their eyes while talking. When I was the speaker all eyes were on me and it scared me because I knew that I could not mess up but