Functional behavior assessment (FBA) is a mandated and evidence-based practice when student's problem behavior interferes with their learning. The type of FBA conducted can differ widely between schools, which leads to questions about the validity of the conclusions reached. The current study conducted indirect (i.e., Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence [ABC] Interview, Functional Analysis Screening Tool, Questions About Behavioral Function), descriptive (i.e., ABC Narrative), and experimental functional assessment methods (i.e., EFA; functional analysis of problem behavior) with 14 children engaging in socially reinforced problem behavior. We compared exact and partial convergence between these FBA procedures alone and in combination with each other to the EFA. Results showed FBA procedures exactly identified the function of problem behavior identified via EFA less than 25% of the time. In contrast, higher convergence between these FBA methods and the EFA occurred when evaluating partial convergence. That is, these FBA procedures correctly identified at least one of the functions of problem behavior identified by the EFA at least 70% of the time. We discuss these data in terms of their utility to inform practice and implications for treatment.

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The competing stimulus assessment (CSA) is used to identify stimuli that are associated with high levels of engagement and low levels of problem behavior. However, few studies have used CSA results for adults with problem behavior. The goal of this study was to expand on previous literature by targeting an adult's self‐injurious skin picking, while incorporating caregivers into treatment and examining reduction maintenance. Noelle was a 27‐year‐old female diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability referred to an intensive outpatient clinic. Functional assessment results suggested that skin picking was maintained by automatic reinforcement. Treatment included noncontingent access to competing stimuli identified via a CSA with response disruption and response promotion tactics. This intervention reduced skin picking to near zero rates, was effectively implemented by caregivers, and treatment gains were maintained over 5 months. Limitations and future considerations for behavior reduction procedures with adults are discussed.

Many children experience sleep disruption in the form of difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting back to sleep. Children with acquired brain injuries (ABI) sometimes experience an exacerbation of these symptoms. Thus, researchers and practitioners alike need to identify creative assessment and treatment approaches to meet this population’s needs. The purpose of the current case study was to highlight one method for (a) determining a nap schedule and (b) evaluating the effect of fatigue on behavioral function for one child diagnosed with an ABI. We conducted a scatterplot analysis to identify periods in which problem behaviors occurred more or less often. These data informed when the child took naps. Afterward, the child participated in a functional analysis of problem behavior before a nap and again after a nap. Results showed both negative and positive reinforcement maintained problem behaviors before naps, while only positive reinforcement maintained problem behaviors after naps. Functional communication training (FCT) programs implemented to address escape, tangible, and attention functions before naps reduced problem behavior and increased communication. These data suggested that (a) motivating operations for problem behavior can differ depending on fatigue and (b) FCT is an effective intervention for problem behavior affected by fatigue. The current study provides an example of an assessment and treatment approach when biologic factors, like sleep, may influence problem behavior.