Extinction Effects During the Assessment of Multiple Problem Behaviors

Abstract

Extinction effects were evaluated in a multiple baseline across behaviors design with 2 boys after just one of several target problem behaviors was observed during a functional analysis. Other target behaviors emerged as extinction was introduced sequentially across all problem behaviors. Results demonstrated an efficient strategy for simultaneously assessing multiple problem behaviors maintained by the same consequence.

Multidisciplinary Assessment and Treatment of Self-Injurious Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: Integration of Psychological and Biological Theory and Approach

“…By ending the functional usefulness of the SIB (i.e. the individual no longer gets what they want when SIB is performed), the SIB is reduced over time (Iwata et al 1990a;Magee and Ellis 2000). Extinction strategies can be used in many situations but may be inappropriate if the individual could be severely injured if allowed to engage in SIB.…”

Modifications to basic functional analysis procedures in school settings: a selective review

“…Because these modifications test the roles of antecedent and consequent events tailored to the student, they may provide more practical, applicable options when designing the subsequent behavior management intervention. Furthermore, data indicate that attention extinction for minor problem behavior may result in the occurrence of more problematic responses (Magee & Ellis, 2000). Replication research, involving systematic implementation of extinction across target responses, that identifies problem behavior response class hierarchies could preclude (at least) some of the problematic side-effects associated with intervention strategies subsequently implemented.…”

“…In the work of Magee and Ellis (2000) initial standard initial FAs resulted in the occurrence of only one of several targeted problem behaviors. The analysis condition with the highest rates of that one target behavior was extended and extinction applied in a multiple baseline across target behavior design.…”

“…During initial multi-element FAs with two elementary school students (each at a different school), Magee and Ellis (2000) implemented standard FA conditions: alone, attention, and play. The demand condition, however, was nonstandard in that the therapist delivered requests every 10 s, omitted the three-step prompt procedure, and instead of removing task materials left the room for 30 s contingent on target occurrences.…”

Functional Analysis With Typically Developing Children: Best Practice or Too Early to Tell?: In Response to Hanley (2012)

“…If anything, these adult responses may signal to the child that a substantial aversive event is about to occur. Instead, the therapist could structure the provision of escape so that condition tested a consequence that was more akin to those in the child's typical environment; perhaps the therapist simply stops prompting or moves away from the child during the escape interval (e.g., Magee & Ellis, 2000).…”