Effective Procedures To Reduce Maladaptive Behaviors In Learners With Autism

Principal Investigator:
Daiana Muffolini

Faculty Advisor:
Randi Sarokoff

Abstract:
Maladaptive behaviors in learners with autism can interfere with their learning and development which is why it is crucial in finding ways to reduce these behaviors. A literature review was conducted to investigate what procedures have been effective in reducing maladaptive behaviors in learners with autism. The current study extends the literature by using a survey to investigate which of the procedures found in the literature are being used by professionals in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In addition the survey measured how effective the procedures were perceived by these professionals who used them. The 19 participants in the study were either Registered Behavioral Therapists (RBT), Behavioral Therapists, or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) who work for an ABA agency. The ABA agency used procedures based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach skills, and reduce maladaptive behaviors in children with autism. Results of the survey showed that the most used procedure by the participants were Functional Communication Training (FCT) (90%) to teach alternative response to inappropriate behavior; package of FCT and extinction to use maladaptive behavior (90%); differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO)(90%) to reduce inappropriate behavior. The participants perceived the most effective interventions to be FCT (94%), FCT and extinction (100%), and DRO (76.5%). Results suggest that many of the procedures found effective in the literature to reduce maladaptive behavior in learners with autism are only being used by a small percentage of the participants in the survey such as DRO. These findings are beneficial to professionals in the field of ABA so they can apply it to their learners' treatment plan as a way to facilitate learning and social inclusion and overall improving their quality of life.