Citation

O'Reilly MF, Lancioni GE, King L, Lally G, Dhomhnaill ON. J. Appl. Behav. Anal. 2000; 33(1): 109-112.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Dublin.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Wiley-Blackwell)

DOI

10.1901/jaba.2000.33-109

PMID

10738961

PMCID

PMC1284231

Abstract

We examined the use of brief functional assessments to identify idiosyncratic variables associated with aberrant behavior maintained by positive reinforcement in the form of attention. Two participants with severe developmental disabilities and their parents were involved in the assessment and treatment evaluation process. A modified attention condition was introduced, which involved both parents interacting with a third person. Results of the assessment demonstrated that aberrant behavior occurred only in the modified attention condition for both participants. Treatment consisted of the parents delivering attention on a fixed-time schedule during this specific social context. Results indicated that the treatment reduced problem behavior. Follow-up evaluations with 1 participant indicated maintenance of treatment effects for up to 6 months.

Language: en