FCT and Delay Fading for Elopement with a Child with Autism

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

• Elopement is a significant safety concern for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting nearly half of this population.
• Understanding the maintaining variables of elopement is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the maintaining variables of elopement in a child with ASD.
• To evaluate the efficacy of functional communication training (FCT) combined with delay fading in reducing elopement and increasing communication.

Main Methods:

• Functional analytic assessment to identify reinforcement variables for elopement.
• Implementation of functional communication training (FCT) with delay fading as an intervention.
• Case study methodology to track changes in communication and elopement behaviors.

Main Results:

• Positive reinforcement, specifically attention and access to tangibles, was identified as maintaining elopement.
• The intervention led to consistent communication and a significant reduction in elopement incidents.
• The child demonstrated an increased ability to wait, indicating improved self-regulation.

Conclusions:

• FCT combined with delay fading is an effective intervention for decreasing elopement in children with ASD.
• Targeting communication skills can successfully address challenging behaviors like elopement.
• Individualized functional assessments are vital for tailoring interventions to specific needs.