Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Functional Assessment of Problematic Forms of Prelinguistic Behavior

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Prelinguistic and Minimally Verbal Communicators on the Autism Spectrum

  • 1889 Accesses

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is associated with communication impairment and problem behavior such as aggression and self-injury. Researchers have found an inverse relation between problem behavior and communicative competence, suggesting that some problem behavior might have a communicative basis. Additional support for this relation emanates from studies aimed at identifying variables that control problem behavior with experimental-functional analysis methodology. In this chapter, we review the results of current research that has used experimental-functional analyses of problem behavior among individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Results suggest that a substantial percentage of individuals with autism spectrum disorder present with problem behavior controlled by (a) attention from another person, (b) access to preferred objects/activities, and/or (c) escape from or avoidance of non-preferred objects/activities/people. Problem behavior controlled by these variables might be conceptualized as prelingusitic forms of intentional communication related to (a) recruiting attention, (b) requesting access to preferred objects/activities, and/or (c) rejecting non-preferred objects/activities/people. In such cases, intervention aimed at replacing the problematic forms by teaching appropriate communication alternatives has proven to be effective. Challenges in conducting experimental-functional analyses and interpreting their results are discussed, as are directions for future research related to replacing problematic prelinguistic forms with more acceptable alternatives.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. 1.

    Efficacy refers to how well an intervention works under controlled/research conditions, whereas effectiveness refers to how well an intervention works under real-world conditions (Singal, Higgins, & Waljee, 2014).

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asmus, J. M., Ringdahl, J. E., Sellers, J. A., Call, N. A., Andelman, M. S., & Wacker, D. P. (2004). Use of a short-term inpatient model to evaluate aberrant behavior: Outcome data summaries from 1996 to 2001. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37, 283–304.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Baghdadli, A., Pascal, C., Grisi, S., & Aussilloux, C. (2003). Risk factors for self-injurious behaviours among 222 young children with autistic disorders. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 47, 622–627.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beitchman, J. H., & Peterson, M. (1986). Disorders of language, communication, and behavior in mentally retarded children: Some ideas on their co-occurrence. Psychiatric Clinics in North America, 9, 689–698.

    Google Scholar 

  • 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, 19–31.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Brady, N., & Halle, J. W. (2002). Breakdowns and repairs in conversations between beginning AAC users and their partners. In J. Reichle, D. Beukelman, & J. Light (Eds.), Exemplary practices for beginning communicators (pp. 323–351). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. (1994). Emerging themes in the functional analysis of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 393–399.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G. (1977). The motivation of self-injurious behavior: A review of some hypotheses. Psychological Bulletin, 84, 800–816.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G., & Durand, V. M. (1985). Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18, 111–126.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G., & Kemp, D. C. (1989). Functional equivalence of autistic leading and communicative pointing: Analysis and treatment. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 19, 561–578.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G., Schreibman, L., & Lovaas, O. I. (1975). Control of echolalic speech in psychotic children. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 3, 331–351.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G., Yarbrough, S. C., & Langdon, N. A. (1997). Effects of idiosyncratic stimulus variables on functional analysis outcomes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 673–686.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Chamberlain, L., Chung, M. C., & Jenner, L. (1993). Preliminary findings on communication and challenging behavior in learning difficulty. British Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 39, 118–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crone, D. A., & Horner, R. H. (2003). Building positive behavior support systems in schools. New York: The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Derby, K. M., Wacker, D. P., Sasso, G., Steege, M., Northup, J., Cigrand, K., et al. (1992). Brief functional assessment techniques to evaluate aberrant behavior in an outpatient setting: A summary of 79 cases. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 713–721.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Didden, R., Sturmey, P., Sigafoos, J., Lang, R., O’Reilly, M., & Lancioni, G. E. (2012). Nature, prevalence and characteristics of challenging behavior. In J. Matson (Ed.), Functional assessment for challenging behaviors (pp. 25–44). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Durand, M., & Crimmins, D. B. (1992). The motivation assessment scale administration guide. Topeka, KS: Monaco & Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durand, V. M. (1986). Self-injurious behavior as intentional communication. Advances in Learning & Behavioral Disabilities, 5, 141–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durand, V. M. (1990). Severe behavior problems: A functional communication training approach. Albany, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emerson, E. (2001). Challenging behavior: Analysis and intervention in people with severe intellectual disabilities (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzer, A., & Sturmey, P. (Eds.). (2009). Language and autism: Applied behavior analysis, evidence, and practice. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, A., Wacker, D., & Boelter, E. (2009). An evaluation of the interaction between quality of attention and negative reinforcement with children who display escape-maintained problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 343–348.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Gevarter, C., Mulloy, A., Ramdoss, S., O’Reilly, M. F., & Watkins, L. (2014). Communication repair behaviors of children with autism and limited vocal language: A systematic review. Manuscript submitted for publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golonka, Z., Wacker, D., Berg, W., Derby, K., Harding, J., & Peck, S. (2000). Effects of escape to alone versus escape to enriched environments on adaptive and aberrant behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 243–246.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Halle, J. W., & Drasgow, E. (2003). Response classes: Don Baer’s contribution to understanding their structure and function. In K. S. Budd & T. Stokes (Eds.), A small matter of proof: The legacy of Donald M. Baer (pp. 113–124). Reno, NV: Context Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Healy, O., Lydon, S., & Murray, C. (2014). Aggressive behavior. In P. Sturmey & R. Didden (Eds.), Evidence-based practice and intellectual disabilities (pp. 103–132). Chichester, UK: Wiley Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrnstein, R. J. (1961). Stereotypy and intermittent reinforcement. Science, 133, 2067–2069.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Holden, B., & Gitlesen, J. P. (2006). A total population study of challenging behavior in the county of Hedmark, Norway: Prevalence and risk markers. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 27, 456–465.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R. H., & Billingsley, F. F. (1988). The effect of competing behavior on the generalization and maintenance of adaptive behavior in applied settings. In R. H. Horner, G. Dunlap, & R. I. Koegel (Eds.), Generalization and maintenance: Life-style changes in applied settings (pp. 197–220). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R., & Day, H. M. (1991). The effects of response efficiency on functionality equivalent competing behaviors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 719–732.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B. A., & Dozier, C. L. (2008). Clinical application of functional analysis methodology. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1, 3–9.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B., Dorsey, M., Slifer, K., Bauman, K., & Richman, G. (1982). Toward a functional analysis of self-injury. Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 2, 3–20 (Reprinted in Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 197–209, 1994).

    Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B., Pace, G., Dorsey, M., Zarcone, J., Vollmer, T., Smith, R., … Willis, K. (1994). The functions of self-injurious behavior: An experimental-epidemiological analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 215–240.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keen, D. (2005). The use of non-verbal repair strategies by children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 26, 243–254.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, C. H. (2005). Single-case designs for educational research. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodak, T., Northup, J., & Kelley, M. (2007). An evaluation of the types of attention that maintain problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40, 167–171.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kozlowski, A. M., & Matson, J. L. (2012). Interview and observation methods in functional assessment. In J. L. Matson (Ed.), Functional assessment for challenging behaviors (pp. 105–124). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Kurtz, P. F., Chin, M. D., Huete, J. M., Tarbox, R. S. F., O’Connor, J. T., Paclawskyj, T. R., et al. (2003). Functional analysis and treatment of self-injurious behavior in young children: A summary of 30 cases. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36, 205–219.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lancioni, G. E., Singh, N. N., O’Reilly, M. F., Sigafoos, J., & Didden, R. (2012). Function of challenging behavior. In J. L. Matson (Ed.), Functional assessment for challenging behaviors (pp. 45–64). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Lang, R., O’Reilly, M., Lancioni, G., Rispoli, M., Machalicek, W., Chan, J., … Franco, J. (2009). Discrepancy in functional analysis results across two settings: Implications for intervention design. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 393–397.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lang, R., Sigafoos, J., van der Meer, L., O’Reilly, M. F., Lancioni, G. E., & Didden, R. (2013). Early signs and early behavioral intervention of challenging behavior. In R. Hastings & J. Rojahn (Eds.), International review of research in developmental disabilities: Challenging behavior (Vol. 44, pp. 1–35). London: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liss, M., Harel, B., Fein, D., Allen, D., Dunn, M., Feinstein, C., … Rapin, I. (2001). Predictors and correlates of adaptive functioning in children with developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31, 219–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lovaas, O. I. (1982). Comments on self-destructive behaviors. Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 2, 115–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Love, J. R., Carr, J. E., & LeBlanc, L. A. (2009). Functional assessment of problem behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders: A summary of 32 outpatient cases. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39, 363–372.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, F. C., & West, B. J. (1986). Analysis of demand conditions associated with reluctant speech. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 17, 285–294.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maljaars, J., Noens, I., Jansen, R., Scholte, E., & van Berckelaer-Onnes, I. (2011). Intentional communication in nonverbal and verbal low-functioning children with autism. Journal of Communication Disorders, 44, 601–614.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mancil, R. G. (2006). Functional communication training: A review of the literature related to children with autism. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 41, 213–224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J. L. (Ed.). (2012). Functional assessment for challenging behaviors. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J. L., & Minshawi, N. F. (2006). Functional assessment of challenging behavior: Toward a strategy for applied settings. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 28, 353–361.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J. L., & Rivet, T. T. (2008). Characteristics of challenging behaviours in adults with autistic disorder, PDD-NOS, and intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 33, 323–329.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J. L., Wilkins, J., & Fodstad, J. C. (2010). Children with autism spectrum disorders: A comparison of those who regress vs. those who do not. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 13, 37–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J. L., Wilkins, J., & Macken, J. (2009). The relationship of challenging behaviors to severity and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2, 29–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McAdam, D., DiCesare, A., Murphy, S., & Marshall, B. (2004). The influence of different therapists on functional analysis outcomes. Behavioral Interventions, 19, 39–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCord, B., Iwata, G., Galensky, T., Ellingson, S., & Thompson, R. (2001). Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior evoked by noise. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 447–462.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mirenda, P., & Iacono, T. (Eds.). (2009). Autism spectrum disorders and AAC. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, J. W., Edwards, R. P., Sterling-Turner, H. E., Riley, J., DuBard, M., & McGeorge, A. (2002). Teacher acquisition of functional analysis methodology. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35, 73–77.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mundy, P., Sigman, M., Ungerer, J., & Sherman, T. (1986). Defining the social deficits of autism: The contribution of non-verbal communication measures. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 27, 657–669.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, O., Healy, O., & Leader, G. (2009). Risk factors for challenging behaviors among 157 children with autism spectrum disorder in Ireland. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3, 474–482.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Northup, J., Wacker, D., Sasso, G., Steege, M., Cigrand, K., Cook, J., et al. (1991). A brief functional analysis of aggressive and alternative behavior in an outclinic setting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 509–522.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • O’Neill, R. E., Horner, R. H., Albin, R. W., Sprague, J. R., Storey, K., & Newton, J. S. (1997). Functional assessment and program development for problem behavior: A practical handbook (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Reilly, M., Lang, R., Davis, T., Rispoli, M., Machalicek, W., Sigafoos, J., … Didden, R. (2009). A systematic examination of different parameters of presession exposure to tangible stimuli that maintain problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42(4), 773–783.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Reilly, M., Rispoli, M., Davis, T., Machalicek, W., Lang, R., Sigafoos, J., … Didden, R. (2010). Functional analysis of challenging behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders: A summary of 10 cases. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4, 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osterling, J., Dawson, G., & McPartland, J. (2001). Autism. In C. E. Walker & M. C. Roberts (Eds.), Handbook of clinical child psychology (3rd ed., pp. 432–452). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, K. J., & Mudford, O. C. (2008). Functional analysis skills training of residential caregivers. Behavioral Interventions, 23, 1–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reeve, C. E., & Carr, E. G. (2000). Prevention of severe behavior problems in children with developmental disorders. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 2, 144–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rispoli, M., Ninci, J., Neely, L., & Zaini, S. (2014). A systematic review of trial-based functional analysis of challenging behavior. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 26, 271–283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rojahn, J., Matson, J. L., Lott, D., Esbensen, A. J., & Smalls, Y. (2001). The behavior problems inventory: An instrument for the assessment of self-injury, stereotyped behavior and aggression/destruction in individuals with developmental disabilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31, 577–588.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rowland, C. M. (2009). Presymbolic communicators with autism spectrum disorders. In P. Mirenda & T. Iacono (Eds.), Autism spectrum disorders and AAC (pp. 51–81). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rutter, M. (1978). Diagnosis and definition. In M. Rutter & E. Schopler (Eds.), Autism: A reappraisal of concepts and treatment (pp. 1–25). New York: Plenum Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Schlichenmeyer, K., Roscoe, E., Rooker, G., Wheeler, E., & Dube, W. (2013). Idiosyncratic variables that affect functional analysis outcomes: A review (2001–2010). Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 339–348.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, J. D., Drasgow, E., Halle, J. W., Martin, C. A., & Bliss, S. A. (2014). Discrete-trial functional analysis and functional communication training with three individuals with autism and severe problem behavior. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 16, 44–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sigafoos, J. (2000). Communication development and aberrant behavior in children with developmental disabilities. Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 35, 168–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sigafoos, J., Drasgow, E., Halle, J. W., O’Reilly, M., Seely-York, S., Edrisinha, C., et al. (2004). Teaching VOCA use as a communicative repair strategy. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 34, 411–422.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sigafoos, J., O’Reilly, M. F., Drasgow, E., & Reichle, J. (2002). Strategies to achieve socially acceptable escape and avoidance. In J. Reichle, D. Beukelman, & J. Light (Eds.), Exemplary practices for beginning communicators (pp. 157–186). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sigafoos, J., O’Reilly, M. F., & Lancioni, G. E. (2009). Functional communication training and choice-making interventions for the treatment of problem behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. In P. Mirenda & T. Iacono (Eds.), Autism spectrum disorders and AAC (pp. 333–353). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sigafoos, J., O’Reilly, M. F., Lancioni, G. E., Lang, R., & Didden, R. (2014). Self-injurious behavior. In P. Sturmey & R. Didden (Eds.), Evidence-based practice and intellectual disabilities (pp. 133–162). Chichester, UK: Wiley Blackwell.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Sigafoos, J., & Saggers, E. (1995). A discrete-trial approach to the functional analysis of aggressive behavior in two boys with autism. Australia & New Zealand Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 20, 287–297.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singal, M. G., Higgins, P. D. R., & Waljee, A. K. (2014). A primer on effectiveness and efficacy trails. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology, 5, e45. doi:10.1038/ctg.2013.13.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, J., Veerkamp, M., Kamps, D., & Andra, P. (2009). Teacher and peer participation in functional analysis and intervention for a first grade student with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Education and Treatment of Children, 32, 243–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sobsey, D., & Reichle, J. (1989). Components of reinforcement for attention signal switch activation. The Mental Retardation and Learning Disabilities Bulletin, 17, 46–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, M. C., Fein, D. A., Dunn, M., Allen, D., Waterhouse, L. H., Feinstein, C., et al. (2000). Subgroups of children with autism by cluster analysis: A longitudinal examination. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 39, 346–352.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stokes, J. V., & Luiselli, J. K. (2008). In-home parent training of functional analysis skills. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 4, 259–263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sturmey, P. (2009). Reducing inappropriate verbal behavior. In A. Fitzer & P. Sturmey (Eds.), Language and autism: Applied behavior analysis, evidence, and practice (pp. 279–297). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suess, A. N., Romani, P. W., Wacker, D. P., Dyson, S. M., Kuhle, J. L., Lee, J. F., … Waldron, D. B. (2014). Evaluating the treatment fidelity of parents who conduct in-home functional communication training with coaching via telehealth. Journal of Behavioral Education, 23, 34–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tait, K., Sigafoos, J., Woodyatt, G., O’Reilly, M. F., & Lancioni, G. E. (2004). Evaluating parent use of functional communication training to replace and enhance prelinguistic behaviours in six children with developmental and physical disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation, 26, 1241–1254.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tiger, J., Fisher, W., Toussaint, K., & Kodak, T. (2009). Progressing from initially ambiguous functional analyses: Three case examples. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 30, 910–926.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Vollmer, T. R., & Iwata, B. A. (1991). Establishing operations and reinforcement effects. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24(2), 279–291.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Vollmer, T. R., Roane, H. S., & Rone, A. B. (2012). Experimental functional analysis. In J. L. Matson (Ed.), Functional assessment for challenging behaviors (pp. 125–141). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., Harding, J. W., Barretto, A., Rankin, B., & Ganzer, J. (2005). Treatment effectiveness, stimulus generalization, and acceptability to parents of functional communication training. Educational Psychologist, 25, 233–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., Harding, J. W., Derby, K. M., Asmus, J. M., & Healy, A. (1998). Evaluation and long-term treatment of aberrant behavior displayed by young children with disabilities. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 19, 260–266.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Lee, J. F., Padilia Dalmau, Y. C., Kopelman, T. G., Lindgren, S. D., Kuhle, J., … 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.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, M. D., Doney, J. K., Mintz-Resudek, C. M., & Tarbox, R. S. (2004). Training educators to implement functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37, 89–92.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Weiss, J. (2003). Self- injurious behaviors in autism: A literature review. Journal on Developmental Disabilities, 9, 129–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Worsdell, A. S., Iwata, B. A., Conners, J., Kahng, S. W., & Thompson, R. H. (2000). Relative influences of establishing operations and reinforcement contingencies on self-injurious behavior during functional analyses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33(4), 451–461.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

    Jeff Sigafoos, Amarie Carnett & Alicia Bravo

  2. Department of Special Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

    Mark F. O’Reilly & Laura Rojeski

  3. Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

    Giulio E. Lancioni

  4. Department of Special Education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA

    James W. Halle

Authors
  1. Jeff Sigafoos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mark F. O’Reilly
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Giulio E. Lancioni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Amarie Carnett
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Alicia Bravo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Laura Rojeski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. James W. Halle
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jeff Sigafoos .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Schl of Educational and Profess Studies, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Deb Keen

  2. Department of Special Education, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, USA

    Hedda Meadan

  3. University of Kansas, Department of Speech Language Hearing Sc, Lawrence, Kansas, USA

    Nancy C. Brady

  4. Department of Special Education, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, USA

    James W. Halle

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Sigafoos, J. et al. (2016). Functional Assessment of Problematic Forms of Prelinguistic Behavior. In: Keen, D., Meadan, H., Brady, N., Halle, J. (eds) Prelinguistic and Minimally Verbal Communicators on the Autism Spectrum. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0713-2_7

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation