Assessing the generality and durability of interview-informed functional analyses and treatment

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Limited research exists on socially valid outcomes of function-based treatments in naturalistic settings.
• Previous studies highlight the effectiveness of interview-informed functional analysis and skill-based treatment (IIFA-SBT).
• The need for home-based, parent-implemented interventions for children with autism is significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and extend the IIFA-SBT procedure in a home environment for two children with autism.
• To assess the effectiveness of function-based treatment implemented by a home-based provider and parents.
• To evaluate the generalization and maintenance of treatment effects.

Main Methods:

• Interview-informed functional analysis (IIFA) was conducted to identify the function of problem behaviors.
• Participants were taught functional communication responses (FCRs) and tolerance for delayed reinforcement.
• Treatment was implemented by a home-based provider and generalized to parents and novel settings.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in problem behavior were observed after the introduction of the function-based treatment.
• Treatment effects generalized to new settings, stimuli, and caregivers.
• Behavioral improvements were maintained at 6-week follow-ups.

Conclusions:

• The IIFA-SBT procedure is effective in reducing problem behavior in home settings for children with autism.
• Home-based, parent-implemented function-based treatments can yield socially valid outcomes.
• Generalization and maintenance of treatment effects are achievable in ecologically relevant environments.