title: Functional analysis and treatment of chronic hair pulling in a child with cri du chat syndrome: effects on co-occurring thumb sucking.
abstract: The relation between hair pulling and thumb sucking in a child with Cri du Chat syndrome was evaluated during the assessment and treatment of hair pulling. A functional analysis suggested that both behaviors were maintained by automatic reinforcement and possibly by attention. Treatment combining differential reinforcement (praise), response interruption, and access to toys decreased hair pulling. A corresponding decrease in thumb sucking was observed even though it was not directly treated. After an initial evaluation in a controlled setting, the treatment was extended to the participant's classroom setting. A 1-year follow up revealed that hair pulling, but not thumb sucking, remained at near-zero frequency. Clinical and research-to-practice implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Bancroft NeuroHealth.
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Vorndran
authors.forename: Gary M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Pace
authors.forename: James K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Luiselli
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Flaherty
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Christian
authors.forename: Ava
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kleinmann