Evaluation of relations between specific antecedent stimuli and self-injury during functional analysis conditions.
We evaluated the influence of child location on the occurrence of self-injurious behavior (SIB) during functional analyses conducted in home settings. An initial functional analysis conducted with 2 children who had developmental disabilities showed undifferentiated patterns of SIB. Analyses of behavior during free play suggested that the child's location was an active variable for self-injury. Both children showed a decrease in self-injury when they were placed next to their parent versus being placed in a wheelchair or on the floor. A second functional analysis was conducted with child and parent on a couch. Results showed low percentages of self-injury during free play, but high percentages during other test conditions. Functional communication training programs for each child resulted in decreases in self-injury.
Harding
Jay
J
Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa, 100 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. jay-harding@uiowa.edu
Wacker
David P
DP
Berg
Wendy K
WK
Barretto
Anjali
A
Ringdahl
Joel
J
D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D008016:Life Change Events; D010507:Periodicity; D010988:Play and Playthings; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology