Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior Maintained by a Nonvocal Mands Function

Abstract

Standard functional analysis procedures may require modifications to assess idiosyncratic variables, such as adult compliance with mands. In the literature, the mands function is largely represented by individuals who vocally communicate idiosyncratic requests. Although effective treatment procedures have been published, schedule thinning has rarely been conducted. Using a reversal design, a mands functional analysis was completed with a 12-year-old nonvocal male. Results showed differentiated rates of challenging behavior. Treatment consisted of differential reinforcement via a chained schedule with signaled availability. During schedule thinning, low rates of challenging behavior were maintained.

Retrospective consecutive controlled case series of outcomes for functional analyses of severe destructive behavior

“…This may be correlated with the co‐occurring finding that there has been an increase in functional analysis outcomes in which multiply maintained destructive behavior was, at least in part, maintained by tangible reinforcement (81.8% of cases). The researchers also found that 3.3% of functional analyses ( n = 15 single outcome, n = 25 multiply maintained outcomes) identified idiosyncratic functions, such as destructive behavior maintained by increased caregiver compliance with mands (e.g., Eluri et al, 2016; Jeglum et al, 2020; Owen et al, 2020). Although reporting of these idiosyncratic functions has largely emerged in the last 2 decades (e.g., Schlichenmeyer et al, 2013), to date, data on the prevalence of idiosyncratic functions is lacking in a consecutive controlled case series of functional analyses.…”