A comparison of multiple reinforcer assessments to identify the function of maladaptive behavior.
Functional analysis results indicated that maladaptive behaviors displayed by a 25-year-old man with profound mental retardation were maintained by attention from caregivers and possibly, to a lesser degree, by access to tangible items. A concurrent-schedules procedure was then used to study the relative reinforcing value for maladaptive behavior of attention versus tangible items. Results of the concurrent-schedules assessment and subsequent functional communication training indicated that preference for attention versus access to a tangible object varied.
D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*