A component analysis of functional communication training across three topographies of severe behavior problems

David P Wacker; Mark W Steege; John Northup; Gary Sasso; Wendy Berg; Thomas Reimers; Linda Cooper; Karla Cigrand; Lisa Donn

doi:10.1901/jaba.1990.23-417

Back

A component analysis of functional communication training across three topographies of severe behavior problems

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

A component analysis of functional communication training across three topographies of severe behavior problems

David P Wacker, Mark W Steege, John Northup, Gary Sasso, Wendy Berg, Thomas Reimers, Linda Cooper, Karla Cigrand and Lisa Donn

Journal of applied behavior analysis, Vol.23(4), pp.417-429

1990

DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1990.23-417

PMCID: PMC1286258

PMID: 2150069

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1990.23-417View

Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

We evaluated the separate treatment components of a functional communication training program for 3 severely handicapped persons who each displayed different topographies of aberrant behavior. Following a functional analysis of maintaining conditions for inappropriate behavior (self-injury, stereotypy, aggression), each participant was trained to emit a communicative response that functioned to solicit reinforcement. For 2 participants, consequences (time-out or graduated guidance) for inappropriate behavior were also included. Treatment continued until the participants emitted the communicative response independently and no occurrences of inappropriate behavior were observed for at least two sessions. Following treatment, the separate contributions of the treatment components for communicative responding and for inappropriate behavior were evaluated with a reversal design. The results indicated that both sets of treatment components were necessary for maximal control over aberrant behavior. These results are discussed in relation to the efficiency, history, and control over reinforcement of both appropriate and inappropriate responses.

Behavior Therapy

Self Mutilation - prevention & control

Humans

Stereotyped Behavior

Reinforcement (Psychology)

Female

Male

Disabled Persons

Communication

Details

Title: Subtitle: A component analysis of functional communication training across three topographies of severe behavior problems
Creators: David P Wacker - University of Iowa
Mark W Steege - University of Iowa
John Northup - University of Iowa
Gary Sasso - University of Iowa
Wendy Berg - University of Iowa
Thomas Reimers - University of Iowa
Linda Cooper - University of Iowa
Karla Cigrand - University of Iowa
Lisa Donn - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of applied behavior analysis, Vol.23(4), pp.417-429
DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1990.23-417
PMID: 2150069
PMCID: PMC1286258
NLM abbreviation: J Appl Behav Anal
ISSN: 0021-8855
eISSN: 1938-3703
Publisher: United States
Language: English
Date published: 1990
Academic Unit: Pediatric Psychology; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Psychological and Quantitative Foundations; Teaching and Learning
Record Identifier: 9983993346602771

Metrics

50 Record Views

204 Times Cited - Web of Science