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Effects of an idiosyncratic stimulus on functional analysis of vocal stereotypy in two settings
Michelle Petrongolo1, Melanie DuBard, James K Luiselli
1May Institute , Randolph, MA , USA.
Objective:
This study evaluated the effects of an idiosyncratic stimulus (Legos plastic blocks) on vocal stereotypy by a child with pervasive developmental disorder during functional analysis sessions conducted in analogue and natural settings.
Methods:
The presence and absence of the idiosyncratic stimulus was controlled in a multielement experimental design that incorporated four functional analysis conditions.
Results:
The background presence of the idiosyncratic stimulus was associated with a higher percentage of vocal stereotypy in all functional analysis sessions in both settings when compared with phases where the stimulus was absent.
Conclusions:
The presence or absence of specific stimuli can alter the results of a functional analysis and produce inaccurate conclusions about the environmental conditions that occasion problem behavior.
