We conducted a functional analysis of challenging behavior for two students with autism using widely available videoconferencing equipment (laptop computers equipped with web cameras). Observers used the videoconferencing facilities to collect data on challenging behavior and to instruct the therapist conducting the assessment. Results of the functional analyses suggested that challenging behavior was associated with escape from academic demands and access to attention for both students. An intervention, derived from the results of the functional analyses, was implemented in the classroom for both students. This intervention was compared to typical classroom instruction using a multi-element treatment design. Results indicated that the intervention derived from the functional analysis produced substantial reductions in challenging behavior with concomitant increases in academic engagement over typical classroom instruction for both students. These findings provide preliminary support for the use of videoconferencing equipment when conducting functional analyses and developing behavioral support plans for students with autism.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
ApplegateH.MatsonJ.CherryK.An evaluation of functional variables affecting severe problem behaviors in adults with mental retardation by using the Questions about Behavioral Function Scale (QBAF)20229–2371999Research in Developmental Disabilities
2.
AyresB.MeyerL.ErevellesN.Park-LeeS.Easy for you to say: Teacher perspectives on implementing most promising practices1984–931994Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps
3.
BaghdadliA.PascalC.GrisliS.AussilouxC.Risk factors for self-injurious behaviours among 222 young children with autistic disordersJournal of Intellectual Disability Research, 47, 622-627.2003
4.
BarrettoA.WackerD.HardingJ.LeeJ.BergW.Using telemedicine to conduct behavioral assessmentsJournal of Intellectual Disability Research47333–3402006Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
5.
CarrE.TaylorJ.RobinsonS.The effects of severe behavior problems in children on the teaching behavior of adultsJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis24525–5351991
6.
ConroyM.DunlapG.ClarkeS.AlterP.A descriptive analysis of positive behavior intervention research with young children with challenging behaviorTopics in Early Childhood Special Education25157–1662005
7.
DurandM.Functional communication training using assistive devices: Recruiting natural communities of reinforcementJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis32247–2671999
8.
ElfordR.A randomized controlled trial of child psychiatric assessments conducted using videoconferencingJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare673–822000
9.
GammonD.SorlieT.BergvikS.Sorensen HoifodtT.Psychotherapy supervision conducted via videoconferencing: A qualitative study of users' experiencesNordic Journal of Psychiatry52411–4211998
10.
GlueckaufR.KettersonT.Telehealth interventions for individuals with chronic illness: Research review and implications for practiceProfessional Psychology: Research and Practice35615–6272004
11.
HastingsR.BrownT.Coping strategies and the impact of challenging behaviors on special educators' burnoutMental Retardation40148–1562002
12.
HiltyD.LuoJ.MoracheC.MarceloD.NesbittT.Telepsychiatry an overview for psychiatristsCNS Drugs16527–5482002
13.
HornerR.AlbinR.ToddA.SpragueJ.SnellM.BrownF.Positive behavior support for individuals with severe disabilitiesInstruction of students with severe disabilitiesPrentice HallColumbus Ohio; Merrill206–2502006th ed.
14.
HornerR.CarrE.StrainP.ToddA.ReedH.Problem behavior interventions for young children with autism: A research synthesisJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders32423–4462002
15.
IwataB.WallaceM.KahngS.LindbergJ.RoscoeE.ConnersJ.Skill acquisition in the implementation of functional analysis methodologyJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis33181–1942000
16.
KiernanC.KiernanD.Challenging be-haviour in schools for pupils with severe learning difficultiesMental Handicap Research7177–2011994
17.
LaneG.CanosaR.A mentoring program for beginning and veteran teachers of students with severe disabilitiesTeacher Education and Special Education18234–2391995
18.
LangM.FoxL.Breaking with tradition: Providing effective professional development for instructional personnel supporting students with severe disabilitiesTeacher Education and Special Education2617–262003
19.
LudlowB.DuffM.Live broadcasting online: Interactive training for rural special educatorsRural Special Education Quarterly2126–302002
20.
McclintockK.HallS.OliverC.Risk markers associated with challenging behaviors in people with intellectual disabilities: A meta-analytic studyJournal of Intellectual Disability Research47405–4162003
21.
MonnierJ.KnappR.FruehB.Recent advances in telepsychiatry: An updated reviewPsychiatric Services541604–16092003
22.
MurpyG.HallS.OliverC.Kissi-DebraR.Identification of early self-injurious behavior in young children with intellectual disabilityJournal of Intellectual Disability Research43149–1631999
23.
LordC.McgeeJ. P.National Research CouncilEducating Children with Autism. Committee on Educational Interventions for Children with AutismDivision of Behavioral and Social Sciences and EducationNational Academy PressWashington, DC2001
24.
OdomS.BrownW.FreyT.KarasuN.Smith-CanterL.StrainP.Evidence based practice for young children with autism: Contributions for single-subject design researchFocus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities10166–1752003
25.
O'reillyM.SigafoosJ.LancioniG.EdrisinhaC.AndrewsA.An examination of the effects of a classroom activity schedule on levels of self-injury and engagement for a child with severe autismJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders35305–3112005
26.
ReichleJ.Institute on Community Integration, University of MinnesotaNational working conference on positive approaches to the management of excess behavior: Final report and recommendationsMinneapolis, MN1990
27.
SchoplerE.ReichlerR.DevellisR.DalyK.Toward objective classification of childhood autism: Childhood autism rating scale (CARS)Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders1091–1031980
28.
SigafoosJ.ArthurM.O'reillyM.Challenging behavior and developmental disabilityWhurr PublishersLondon2003
29.
TaylorB.HochH.WeissmanM.The analysis and treatment of vocal stereotypy in a child with autismBehavioral Interventions20239–2532005
30.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, Pub. L. No. 108-446, § 101, 118 Stat. 2647 (2004).
31.
The Individuals with Disabilities Act Amendments of 1997, Pub. L. No. 17-105, § 101, 111 Stat. 37 (1997).
32.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
33.
TousignantM.BoissyP.CorriveauH.MoffetH.In home telerehabilitation for older adults after discharge from an acute hospital or rehabilitation unit: A proof-of-concept study and costs estimationDisability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology1209–2162006
34.
WatsonT.RayK.Sterling TurnerH.LoganP.Teacher-implemented functional analysis and treatment: A method for linking assessment to interventionSchool Psychology Review28292–3021999
35.
WeberK. P.KilluK.DerbyK. M.BarrettoA.The status of functional behavior assessment (FBA): Adherence to standard practice in FBA methodologyPsychology in the Schools42437–7442005
36.
ZarateC.WeinstockL.BaerL.Applicability of telemedicine for assessing patients with schizophrenia: Acceptance and reliabilityThe Journal of Clinical Psychiatry5822–251997
