TY - JOUR
T1 - Individualizing Functional Assessments for Children with Autism
T2 - The Contribution of Perseverative Behavior and Sensory Disturbances to Disruptive Behavior
AU - Reese, R. Matthew
AU - Richman, David M.
AU - Zarcone, Jennifer
AU - Zarcone, Troy
N1 - Funding Information:
1. This study was supported by Grants NICHD P01, HD26927 and MCH MCJ209148.
PY - 2003/5
Y1 - 2003/5
N2 - A functional assessment interview (O'Neill et al., 1997) was conducted with the care providers of 100 young (2 to 5 years old) children with autism regarding reinforcement contingencies contributing to maintenance of their child's disruptive behavior. Care providers were interviewed regarding their child's disruptive behavior related to gaining attention and tangibles and escaping demands. In addition, we individualized the interview in more detail to include the possible relationship between their child's disruptive behavior and gaining access to perseverative activities, avoiding demands when engaged in perseverative activities, and avoiding specific types of sensory stimulation. Results of the study suggest that gaining access to perseverative activities and escaping demands while engaged in these activities frequently contribute to disruptive behavior in young children with autism. These findings are discussed in terms of assessment considerations and treatment for children with autism and other types of syndromes and disorders.
AB - A functional assessment interview (O'Neill et al., 1997) was conducted with the care providers of 100 young (2 to 5 years old) children with autism regarding reinforcement contingencies contributing to maintenance of their child's disruptive behavior. Care providers were interviewed regarding their child's disruptive behavior related to gaining attention and tangibles and escaping demands. In addition, we individualized the interview in more detail to include the possible relationship between their child's disruptive behavior and gaining access to perseverative activities, avoiding demands when engaged in perseverative activities, and avoiding specific types of sensory stimulation. Results of the study suggest that gaining access to perseverative activities and escaping demands while engaged in these activities frequently contribute to disruptive behavior in young children with autism. These findings are discussed in terms of assessment considerations and treatment for children with autism and other types of syndromes and disorders.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84993661392&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/108835760301800202
DO - 10.1177/108835760301800202
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84993661392
SN - 1088-3576
VL - 18
SP - 89
EP - 94
JO - Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
JF - Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
IS - 2
ER -