title: Effects of an idiosyncratic stimulus on functional analysis of vocal stereotypy in two settings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the effects of an idiosyncratic stimulus (Legos plastic blocks) on vocal stereotypy by a child with pervasive developmental disorder during functional analysis sessions conducted in analogue and natural settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The presence and absence of the idiosyncratic stimulus was controlled in a multielement experimental design that incorporated four functional analysis conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The background presence of the idiosyncratic stimulus was associated with a higher percentage of vocal stereotypy in all functional analysis sessions in both settings when compared with phases where the stimulus was absent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence or absence of specific stimuli can alter the results of a functional analysis and produce inaccurate conclusions about the environmental conditions that occasion problem behavior.
authors.affiliation: May Institute , Randolph, MA , USA.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petrongolo
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: DuBard
authors.forename: James K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Luiselli
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Functional analysis; idiosyncratic stimuli; vocal stereotypy