SungWoo Kahng

Descriptive assessment of problem behavior during transitions of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Transitions from one activity to another may evoke problem behavior from individuals with intellectual disabilities. One explanation for the occurrence of problem behavior could be the change in relative densities of reinforcement between the two activities. We conducted a descriptive assessment of problem behavior with four children during transitions to and from several different contexts. We observed that, in most cases, the probability of problem behavior was greater during a transition to an activity with a lower density of reinforcement than during a transition to an activity with a higher density of reinforcement. We discuss our findings in terms of problem behavior associated with transitions in activities with different reinforcer densities, as well as the possibility that the problem behavior may be associated with shifts in motivating operations.

A comparison of group contingencies on academic compliance: GROUP CONTINGENCIES

We used a reversal design with an embedded multielement design to compare the effects of an independent group contingency and a randomized dependent group contingency on compliance with assigned literacy worksheets in a first-grade general education classroom. Nine participants were selected based on low levels of compliance in baseline or by teacher identification. Results indicated that both group contingencies increased compliance relative to baseline for the majority of participants. The independent condition produced higher levels of compliance for four students and the randomized dependent condition produced higher levels of compliance for one student. For four students, the two group contingencies were equally effective. A preference assessment indicated that the majority of target students preferred the randomized dependent condition and the majority of nontarget students preferred the independent condition. A number of potential explanations for our preference findings, including the possible role of obtained reinforcement, are discussed.

Effects of Computer-Based Training on Procedural Modifications to Standard Functional Analyses.

Few studies have evaluated methods for training decision-making when functional analysis data are undifferentiated. The current study evaluated computer-based training to teach 20 graduate students to arrange functional analysis conditions, analyze functional analysis data, and implement procedural modifications. Participants were exposed to training materials using interactive software during a 1-day session. Following the training, mean scores on the posttest, novel cases probe, and maintenance probe increased for all participants. These results replicate previous findings during a 1-day session and include a measure of participant acceptability of the training. Recommendations for future research on computer-based training and functional analysis are discussed.

Further Evaluation of Presentation Format of Competing Stimuli for Treatment of Automatically Maintained Challenging Behavior

Behavioral interventions have been effective in reducing automatically maintained skin picking for individuals with disabilities including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A competing stimulus assessment (CSA) is typically utilized in behavioral intervention and assessment to identify potential stimuli which compete with the reinforcer for various forms of challenging behavior (CB). Treatment evaluations have validated the results of these assessments by demonstrating competing stimuli may reduce levels of CB. In Phase 1 of this study, we conducted a functional analysis (FA) to determine what variables were maintaining skin picking of an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with ASD. In Phase 2, we conducted a CSA to determine which stimulus competed the most with skin picking. In Phase 3, we utilized a multielement with reversal design to compare the effectiveness of three presentation formats: (a) single stimulus (single), (b) multiple stimuli (multiple), and (c) alternating stimuli (alternating) in reducing levels of automatically maintained CB. We found noncontingent access to a single item was the most effective intervention to decrease skin picking. This study adds to the literature on reducing CB in children with ASD by incorporating a CSA before the evaluation of different formats of delivering competing stimuli, across extended duration session times.

Self-Injurious Behavior in Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Current Practices in Assessment and Treatment

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a behavior which produces physical injury to the individual’s own body. Common forms of SIB include, but are not limited to, head banging, biting, scratching, skin picking, hair pulling, pinching, and eye gouging. Among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), there is a higher prevalence of SIB in children than in adults. Proper measurement (e.g., frequency and duration) and assessment (i.e., direct and indirect) of SIB are needed prior to starting treatment. In this chapter, we review the assessment and treatment procedures found to be effective in reducing and eliminating SIB in children with IDD.

The effects of preference assessment type on problem behavior: PROBLEM BEHAVIOR DURING PREFERENCE ASSESSMENTS

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who engage in problem behavior maintained by access to tangibles may exhibit more problem behavior during certain preference assessments. We compared three common preference assessments to determine which resulted in fewer problem behaviors. The paired stimulus and multiple-stimulus without replacement assessments produced higher rates of problem behavior than the free operant (FO) assessment, suggesting that the FO assessment may be the most appropriate assessment for individuals who engage in problem behavior maintained by access to tangibles.

Treatment of Pediatric Obesity: An Opportunity for Behavior Analysts

Abstract There is a relatively high prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents. Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing health conditions, which impacts their quality of life. Given that environment plays a key role in obesity, behavior analytic interventions may be particularly useful for obesity-related behaviors such as changing eating habits, increasing physical activity, and developing comprehensive, behaviorally based interventions. This chapter provides a brief summary of behavioral interventions for obesity with an emphasis on how behavior analysis can impact this area of research.