Analysis of Conditions Associated with Low Rates of Challenging Behaviour in Two Adolescents with Multiple Disabilities

Abstract

Analyses and interventions were conducted to reduce challenging behaviour in two adolescents with multiple disabilities. A functional analysis of each child's challenging behaviour was conducted initially. Although the results of this functional analysis showed that challenging behaviour occurred during roughly 30 to 60% of the assessment trials conducted under each of several conditions, there was one condition for each child that was associated with little or no challenging behaviour. These conditions were then manipulated using stimulusfading procedures. Initially, the stimuli associated with low rates of challenging behaviour were provided on a nearly continuous and noncontingent basis. Next, exposure to these stimuli was systematically reduced. The present studies suggest that analysis of the conditions associated with low rates of challenging behaviour may be helpful in designing interventions.