Functional Behavior Assessment
Find an article on Academic Search Complete on the Belhaven Library website for “functional behavioral assessment” and “ADHD”. Write a
descriiption of the child’s problem behavior. Then, explain how the functional behavioral assessment (FBA) was used to determine the function of the
behavior. Next, using the same method, find another article to describe how a contingency-based self-management plan was used to address the problem
behavior within the context of its apparent function.
Sample Solution
This article, “The Utility of the Functional Behavioral Assessment to Address ADHD-Related Challenging Behaviors in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder” by Zakeri et al (2015) discusses how functional behavioral assessments can be used to address challenging behaviors related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in students with autism spectrum disorder.
The child’s problem behavior discussed in the article was noncompliance and disruptive behaviors that interfered with academic performance. Specifically, during circle time, the student would refuse instructions from teachers, get up from her seat without permission and engage in disruptive behavior such as running away or throwing objects. The student also exhibited difficulty sustaining attention due to her impulsivity and hyperactivity levels, which further impeded her academic progress.
To determine the function of these behaviors, a comprehensive functional behavioral assessment (FBA) was conducted by observing and collecting data on the student’s problem behaviors while taking into account contextual variables such as setting events or antecedent stimuli that may have triggered them. This process included interviews with parents and teachers about the target behavior as well as reviews of school records and previous interventions implemented for that student. After completing an exhaustive review of this information, it was determined that these disruptive behaviors were primarily driven by an attempt to gain access to tangible items or social reinforcement such as praise or attention; thus meeting her need for escape/avoidance when faced with difficult learning tasks or social interactions within classroom settings. Further analysis revealed that certain environmental triggers like changes in routine exacerbated these challenging behaviors leading up to their eventual escalation.
Overall, this study demonstrated how FBA can effectively be utilized in understanding more complex problem behaviors associated with ADHD in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders so that appropriate interventions can be designed accordingly.
