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Comparison of Functional Assessment Methods Targeting Aggressive and Stereotypic Behaviour in a Child with Autism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2012

Jenelle McDonald ,
Dennis W. Moore  and
Angelika Anderson
Jenelle McDonald*
Affiliation:
Krongold Centre, Faculty of Education, Monash University
Dennis W. Moore
Affiliation:
Krongold Centre, Faculty of Education, Monash University
Angelika Anderson
Affiliation:
Krongold Centre, Faculty of Education, Monash University
*
Address for correspondence: Jenelle McDonald, Krongold Centre, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne VIC 3800, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

There has been considerable research addressing functional assessment procedures, but little direct comparison of the practical utility of different methods of assessment. The aim of this study was to examine three different methods of conducting functional assessments of problem behaviours of a child with autism. Data obtained through indirect, direct and experimental functional assessment methods in both a classroom and playground setting were compared. Although results from both the indirect and direct observation methods gave some indication of the possible function of the target behaviour, the functional analysis provided conclusive results that the behaviour was maintained by access to preferred activities/tangibles. A brief trial of an intervention based on these results was effective in reducing problem behaviour and increasing desired behaviour.

Keywords

functional behaviour analysisfunctional behaviour assessmentautismautism intervention
Type
Articles
Information
The Educational and Developmental Psychologist , Volume 29 , Issue 1 , July 2012 , pp. 52 - 65
Copyright
Copyright © Australian Psychological Society Ltd 2012

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