Behavioral Assessment and Treatment of Aerophagia

2021 ◽  
pp. 153465012110645
Author(s):  
Mirela Cengher ◽  
Craig W. Strohmeier
Keyword(s):  
Problem Behavior ◽  
Divided Attention ◽  
Differential Reinforcement ◽  
Behavioral Assessment ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Graduated Exposure

Aerophagia is characterized by excessive air swallowing and can have serious negative effects on one’s health. We present the assessment and treatment of a 16-year-old girl, Khloe, with developmental disabilities and aerophagia. The initial assessment indicated that aerophagia occurred primarily to access attention in a divided attention context; however, our function-based treatment did not result in a clinically significant reduction in problem behavior. We then conducted a second assessment that indicated that Khloe’s aerophagia indeed occurred primarily in a divided attention context, but that it persisted independent of social consequences. We concluded that the divided attention context served as a motivating variable for aerophagia. Our second treatment consisted of differential reinforcement of other behavior, noncontingent access to competing stimuli, and graduated exposure to contextual variables (i.e., people and divided attention) that occasioned aerophagia. The treatment was successful in reducing rates of aerophagia. We discuss implications for assessment and treatment, as well as recommendations for clinicians and students.

Differential Reinforcement of Low Rate Schedules Reduce Severe Problem Behavior

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 747-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew C. Bonner ◽  
John C. Borrero
Keyword(s):  
Problem Behavior ◽  
Classroom Behavior ◽  
Differential Reinforcement ◽  
Strength Analysis ◽  
Severe Problem ◽  
Human Operant ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Human Operant Research ◽  
Severe Problem Behavior ◽  
Low Rate

Differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) schedules are reinforcement contingencies designed to reduce response rates. A common variation of the DRL arrangement is known as full-session DRL ( f-DRL), in which a reinforcer is presented at the end of an interval if the response rate during that interval is below a predetermined criterion. Prior human operant research involving arbitrary mouse clicks has shown that the f-DRL is likely to reduce target responding to near zero rates. Similarly, applied research has shown that the f-DRL is likely to reduce minimally disruptive classroom behavior. There are, however, relatively few successful applications of the f-DRL to severe forms of problem behavior (e.g., self-injurious behavior). Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of f-DRL on the severe problem behavior of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For four participants, the f-DRL reduced severe problem behavior by clinically significant levels. Furthermore, results of a contingency strength analysis showed a strong negative contingency strength between target responding and reinforcer delivery for all participants.

Further Analysis of the Predictive Effects of a Free-Operant Competing Stimulus Assessment on Stereotypy

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen M. Brogan ◽  
John T. Rapp ◽  
Lisa A. Sennott ◽  
Jennifer L. Cook ◽  
Erin Swinkels
Keyword(s):  
Differential Reinforcement ◽  
Repetitive Behavior ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Discrete Trial Training ◽  
Alternative Behavior ◽  
Vocal Stereotypy ◽  
Free Operant ◽  
High Preference ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Academic Responding

We conducted five experiments to evaluate the predictive validity of a free-operant competing stimulus assessment (FOCSA). In Experiment 1, we showed that each participant’s repetitive behavior persisted without social consequences. In Experiment 2, we used the FOCSA to identify high-preference, low-stereotypy (HP-LS) items for 11 participants and high-preference, high-stereotypy (HP-HS) items for nine participants. To validate the results of the FOCSAs (Experiment 3), we used a three-component multiple schedule to evaluate the immediate and subsequent effects of an HP-LS stimulus, an HP-HS stimulus, or both (in separate test sequences) on each participant’s stereotypy. Results of Experiment 3 showed that the FOCSA correctly predicted the immediate effect of the HP-LS stimulus for 10 of 11 participants; however, the FOCSA predictions were less accurate for the HP-HS stimulus. Results of Experiment 4 showed that a differential reinforcement of other behavior procedure in which participants earned access to the HP-LS for omitting vocal stereotypy increased all five participants’ latency to engaging in stereotypy; however, clinically significant omission durations were only achieved for one participant. Experiment 5 showed that differential reinforcement of alternative behavior in which participants earned access to the HP-LS stimulus contingent upon correct responses during discrete-trial training reduced targeted and nontargeted stereotypy and increased correct academic responding for all four participants. The potential utility of the FOCSA is discussed.

Using Functional Behavioral Assessment to Develop a Multicomponent Treatment for Sleep Problems in a 3-Year-Old Boy With Autism

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie McLay ◽  
Karyn France ◽  
Neville Blampied ◽  
Kate Danna ◽  
Jolene Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Behavioral Assessment ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Functional Behavioral Assessment ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Function Of Sleep

A large number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families are affected by sleep disturbance. Given the concomitant negative effects of sleep problems, it is essential to identify effective treatments. This case study exemplifies the use of Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) to develop treatments for sleep problems in a 3-year old boy with ASD. A function-based, multicomponent intervention resulted in the elimination of nighttime breastfeeding, a reduction in the frequency of curtain calls, and the frequency and duration of nighttime awakenings, although not all gains were maintained at follow-up. This case study highlights the importance of FBA in the assessment of sleep problems for each individual, and the need to develop treatments that address the unique function of sleep disturbance for each individual. Further research into the assessment and treatment of sleep problems in children with ASD is required.

The Use of Isolated and Synthesized Latency Functional Analyses in the Assessment and Treatment of Clothing Removal Exhibited by a Child with Autism

2020 ◽  
pp. 153465012097444
Author(s):  
Kristopher Brown
Keyword(s):  
Problem Behavior ◽  
Differential Reinforcement ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Intervention Package ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Function Based Intervention ◽  
Treatment Package ◽  
Functional Analyses ◽  
Synthesized Contingencies

The case of a 9-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who presented with problem behavior in the form of high-frequency clothing removal is reported. Descriptive data indicated the behavior occurred when tasks were presented and commonly delayed task demands and resulted in staff attention. Two latency functional analyses with isolated and synthesized contingencies were completed to clarify the operant function of the behavior. Initial results of the synthesized analysis indicated clothing removal was sensitive to attention and escape. However, a subsequent functional analysis with isolated contingencies indicated that the behavior was maintained only by attention. A function-based intervention package consisting of attention extinction, response blocking, and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) effectively reduced the frequency of clothing removal to near-zero levels. Results of the intervention were partially generalized to a new therapist. The use of latency functional analyses as a means to rapidly examine isolated and synthesized contingencies maintaining problem behavior is discussed as well as the effects of the treatment package on the behavior of clothing removal.

Feeling Like a Burden

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-238
Author(s):  
James H. Wirth ◽  
Ashley Batts Allen ◽  
Emily M. Zitek
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Social Costs ◽  
Negative Outcomes ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Self Compassion

Abstract. We examined the negative outcomes, particularly social costs that result when a person harms their group by performing poorly, and whether self-compassion could buffer against these negative outcomes. In Studies 1 and 2, participants performed poorly and harmed their group or performed equal to their group. Harmful poor-performing participants felt more burdensome, experienced more negative affect, felt more ostracized, anticipated more exclusion, and felt lowered self-esteem than equal-performing participants. Studies 3 and 4 disentangled poor performance from harming a group. Poor-performing participants either harmed the group or caused no harm. Harmful poor-performing participants felt more burdensome and anticipated more exclusion, indicating the additional social consequences of a harmful poor performance over a non-harmful performance. Across studies, trait self-compassion was associated with reduced negative effects.

Behavioral assessment and treatment of pica in a typically developing 3-year-old.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-85
Author(s):  
Emily Ness ◽  
Craig W. Strohmeier ◽  
Nicholas Ramazon ◽  
Julia T. O'Connor
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Assessment ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Assessment And Treatment

Disorders of Development

2010 ◽  
pp. 551-574
Author(s):  
V. Mark Durand
Keyword(s):  
Pervasive Developmental Disorders ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Learning Disorders ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Asperger Disorder ◽  
Oppositional Defiant ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Clinically Significant

Disorders of development include a range of problems first evidenced in childhood. Although most disorders have their origins in childhood, a few fully express themselves before early adulthood. This chapter describes the nature, assessment, and treatment of the more common disorders that are revealed in a clinically significant way during a child’s developing years. The disorders of development affect a range of functioning, from single skills deficits to more pervasive problems that negatively impact a child’s ability to function. Included is coverage of several disorders usually diagnosed first in infancy, childhood, or adolescence, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, learning disorders, communication and related disorders, pervasive developmental disorders (including autistic disorder and Asperger disorder), and intellectual disabilities. Recommendations for future research on the potential for advancing knowledge regarding spectrums within some of these disorders, as well as recommendations for treatment, are outlined.

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