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Indirect Effects of Functional Communication Training on Non-Targeted Disruptive Behavior
Kelly M Schieltz1, David P Wacker, Jay W Harding
1The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1011, USA; Center for Disabilities and Development, 100 Hawkins Drive, Room 251, Iowa City, IA 52242-1011, USA.
Journal of Behavioral Education
|March 15, 2013
Summary
Functional Communication Training (FCT) effectively reduced destructive and disruptive behaviors in preschool children with developmental disabilities. This intervention decreased both targeted destructive actions and non-targeted disruptive behaviors during home-based sessions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Preschool-aged children with developmental disabilities often exhibit destructive and disruptive behaviors.
- Understanding the function of these behaviors is crucial for effective intervention.
- Negative reinforcement plays a role in maintaining challenging behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Functional Communication Training (FCT) on non-targeted disruptive behaviors.
- To assess the effectiveness of FCT in reducing both destructive and disruptive behaviors.
- To investigate the role of negative reinforcement in maintaining these behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A functional analysis was conducted to identify behavior functions.
- Functional Communication Training (FCT) was implemented with demand fading and extinction baselines.
- Interventions were delivered in participants' homes by mothers with investigator coaching.
- Single-case and summary data were collected for 10 preschool-aged children.
Main Results:
- Functional analyses indicated that destructive and disruptive behaviors were maintained by negative reinforcement.
- FCT significantly reduced the occurrence of both targeted destructive behaviors and non-targeted disruptive behaviors.
- FCT demonstrated effectiveness compared to functional analysis demand and baseline conditions.
Conclusions:
- Functional Communication Training (FCT) is an effective intervention for decreasing destructive and disruptive behaviors in young children with developmental disabilities.
- FCT can reduce not only targeted behaviors but also associated non-targeted disruptive behaviors.
- Home-based FCT, with parental involvement, can be a successful strategy for behavior modification.
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