Functional Analysis of Problem Behaviours Maintained by Automatic Reinforcement in Children and Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Component Analysis of Prevalent Data Patterns

Abstract

Automatically reinforced behaviours (ARBs) are behaviours not mediated by any social contingency and are generally maintained by the very consequences of the behaviour itself. They are commonly associated with a number of disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, and can present in a variety of ways. Because the consequence is so inextricably linked to the behaviour, assessment methods and intervention strategies are often highly individualised. Functional analysis (FA) provides a reliable way by which to identify ARBs, with associated patterns established from a robust literature base. In experiment one, repetitive behaviours believed to be automatically reinforced were assessed separately. Out of the five behaviours assessed, three were identified as ARBs with the frequency of behaviour showing elevated rates during alone condition. Literature suggests possible alternative patterns occurring alongside patterns associated with ARB, with target behaviours occurring at lower frequencies during play, demand, or attention condition. When alternative data patterns associated with ARB emerge in the course of doing FA, results hold the potential of efficiently identifying components that could suppress the behaviour. This potential is explored in Experiment 2 where component analyses (CA) were conducted for participants whose behaviours were confirmed to be ARB. Results show that exploring the influence of individual components within a specific FA condition can help identify the component which can reduce ARB. Findings may have implications on immediate, short term intervention measures and may inform long-term intervention package intended to make lasting behaviour changes. In experiment 2, component analysis (CA) were conducted for participants whose behaviours were confirmed to be ARB and whose data sets presented with alternative patterns linked to ARB.