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

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

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

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.

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.

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:

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

For the prevent component of the behavioral intervention Environmental Supports and Increased Non-contingent Reinforcement techniques were selected. These techniques were chosen in order to help support John refrain from engaging in the socially unacceptable flicking behavior. In order to prevent John from engaging in the flicking behavior, the teacher should equip John with a squeezy ball. The teacher should chat with John upon his arrival and encourage him to utilize his squeezy ball. According to research, “ To replace maladaptive behaviors, are sound educational choices grounded in learning theory and supported by empirical evidence” (Dooley, Wilczenski, & Torem, 2001, p. 58). Providing the optimal antecedent conditions will help support John as he acclimates himself to the replacement behavior. Teachers and staff should be encouraging, supportive, and implement the prevent strategies when they are most likely to occur. In John’s case this would be in the morning, afternoon, and arrival.

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.

Educational /behavior Interventions – these therapist uses highly structured and intensive skill oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills and applied behavioral analysis. (Adehem,

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

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).

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

While the presence of certain characteristics in children with behavioral disorders might sometimes seem discouraging but the bottom line is not to give up on any student in any case. Most of the times, children with behavioral and emotional problems might challenge a patience of teachers and cause temporary despair. In this situation, teachers require the support of others in supported students to succeed. The classroom is a learning community; therefore, it is very much significant to create a constructive atmosphere in the classroom. The successful behavior management in classroom can be improved by colleagues as well as by the family of the students. While considering the needs of students with behavioral and emotional problems, the paper aims to develop appropriate strategies for teaching students with behavioral disorders in the classroom.