Toward Maximizing Assessment Efficiency: A Synthesized Trial-Based Functional Analysis and Competing Stimulus...

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Developmental Disabilities
• Child Psychology

Background:

• Standard functional analysis (FA) has limitations including time, resources, ecological relevance, and safety.
• Procedural adaptations like trial-based and synthesized FA formats have been developed to address these limitations.
• Self-injurious behavior (SIB) requires careful assessment to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the function(s) of SIB in a 3-year-old female with developmental disabilities.
• To utilize a brief trial-based FA with synthesized contingencies based on caregiver input.
• To minimize opportunities for SIB during assessment.

Main Methods:

• A brief trial-based functional analysis (FA) was employed.
• Ecologically relevant synthesized contingencies were used, informed by caregiver input.
• Competing stimuli were assessed to identify potential reinforcers for SIB.

Main Results:

• Positive physical attention was identified as a likely reinforcer for SIB in under 42 minutes.
• The synthesized trial-based FA resulted in minimal harm to the child.
• The caregiver responded favorably to the modified assessment conditions.
• Two potential items were identified that may compete with attention as a reinforcer for SIB.

Conclusions:

• Individualized assessment is crucial for the safe treatment of severely challenging behaviors.
• Brief, synthesized trial-based FA is a viable and effective method for identifying SIB functions.
• Modified FA procedures can be safe, efficient, and acceptable to caregivers.