Functional Assessment and Challenging Behaviors: Some Future Directions

Abstract Individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) frequently exhibit self-injurious behavior (SIB). Previous research has examined the published literature on behavioral treatments of SIB from 1964–2000. Results suggested that these treatments were highly efficacious at decreasing SIB, particularly when based on the results of a functional assessment. The purpose of this review is to update, replicate, and extend the previous research. The current findings indicate an increase in studies reporting automatically maintained SIB as well as less efficacious treatments overall. Discussion of our conclusions and methods of SIB assessment and treatment are discussed, both as they relate to the previous review and for future directions.

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Functional Assessment of Behavior and Effective Supports for Young Children with Challenging Behaviors

Assessment for Effective Intervention ◽

10.1177/073724770202700405 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 35-47 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Maureen A. Conroy ◽

Carol Ann Davis ◽

James J. Fox ◽

William H. Brown

Keyword(s):

Young Children ◽

Functional Assessment ◽

Challenging Behaviors

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FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT: CONTRIBUTIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis ◽

10.1901/jaba.1994.27-401 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 401-404 ◽

Cited By ~ 161

Author(s):

Robert H. Horner

Keyword(s):

Functional Assessment ◽

Future Directions

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Intellectual Disabilities

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190634841.013.12 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Johnny L. Matson ◽

Paige E. Cervantes

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

Challenging Behaviors ◽

Intervention Strategies ◽

Treatment Intervention ◽

Future Directions ◽

Intellectual Skills ◽

Treatment Procedures ◽

Research And Policy

Intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by significant deficits in intellectual skills and adaptive behavior. ID affects approximately 1% of the population; an individual’s ID can range from mild to profound based on the level of impairment and supports needed. Individuals often present with associated challenging behaviors and medical and psychiatric comorbidities that create a complicated clinical picture. Comprehensive assessment is critical for effective treatment. Intervention for ID is focused on addressing the discrepancies between an individual’s ability and environmental demands by providing supports to improve daily functioning. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary. Evaluation and treatment procedures will likely evolve as etiological understanding of ID improves. Greater research and policy attention to several areas of clinical practice are needed to improve prognosis and quality of life. This chapter details diagnostic criteria, assessment and intervention strategies, gaps in and future directions of research and practice, and implications for clinical practice.

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