Clarifying Variables associated with Problem Behaviors Using Structured Descriptive Assessment

This study evaluated the utility of a structured descriptive assessment (SDA) as an alternative method of functional assessment. Initially, an analogue functional analysis, conducted to assess the problem behavior of two adults with developmental disabilities, produced inconclusive results. Subsequently, SDAs was conducted in the individuals' natural environment with the direct-contact caregivers acting as therapists. This assessment manipulated antecedent variables similarly to the analogue functional analysis but allowed for consequences to occur naturally. The results from SDAs suggested that problem behaviors, for both participants, were occasioned by removal of personal items and maintained by their return. Treatments based on the results of SDAs were implemented in a reversal design and resulted in a notable reduction in the occurrences of problem behavior for both participants. These outcomes suggest that SDA procedures may be useful when results from the analogue functional analysis are inconclusive.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2005

Author dc:creator

• McAllister, Amanda Jo

Contributors dc:contributor

• Smith, Richard
• Hyten, Cloyd
• Ellis, Janet

• People with disabilities -- Functional assessment.
• Developmental disabilities -- Treatment.
• Behavioral assessment.
• caregivers
• problem behaviors
• functional assessment
• treatment
• variables

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• McAllister, Amanda Jo
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 68213212
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4853/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4853

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4853