Synopses & Reviews
As the cornerstone of applied behavior analysis, functional assessment is supported by a burgeoning literature that focuses on identification of and interventions for aggressive, self-injurious, and other challenging behaviors. Although the number of research studies continues to grow, full-length volumes on using functional assessment to address these behaviors remain few and far between. Comprehensive in coverage, Functional Assessment for Challenging Behaviors expands the knowledge base by providing information on all aspects of its topic. This unique volume addresses basic questions in salient detail, from types and rates of challenging behaviors to populations that warrant functional assessment. In addition, it examines typical assessment techniques, including interview, scaling, experimental, and in vivo methods. The use of functional assessment in treatment planning - and in combination with other interventions - is covered in depth. An especially timely chapter identifies key ethical and legal concerns in working with challenging behavior populations. Coverage includes: The history of behavior analysis and functional assessment.The nature, prevalence, and characteristics of challenging behaviors.Interview and observation methods in functional assessment and analysis.Experimental functional analysis for challenging behaviors.Treatment methods commonly used with functional assessment.Using functional assessment in treatment planning. Functional Assessment for Challenging Behaviors is an essential resource for researchers, scientist-practitioners, and graduate students in clinical child and school psychology, pediatric psychiatry and medicine, social work, rehabilitation, and developmental psychology.
Review
From the reviews: "This book discusses applying behavior theory to difficult behaviors including self-injurious behavior (SIB), stereotypic behavior, aggressive behavior, and feeding disorders. ... This book is easy to read and contains good information to assist clinicians in addressing problematic behaviors. ... This book does a good job of providing answers for assessing and treating problematic behaviors. ... The book should be in the libraries of clinicians and researchers who are assisting individuals with more serious/persistent behavior problems." (Gary B. Kaniuk, Doody's Review Service, December, 2012)
Synopsis
Functional assessment is perhaps the most discussed and researched topic in the fields of school and clinical psychology, special education, and applied behavior analysis. Title 19 (i.e., Medicaid) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (i.e., IDEA) provide federal regulations on the healthcare and education of all handicapped children, respectively; each requires that functional assessment be done when challenging behaviors are present. Mental health and education specialists must therefore be well versed in functional assessment methods and procedures to ensure that specific problem behaviors are identified and the most effective treatment plans developed. Despite the hundreds of studies that have been published on the topic, less than 10% of the content is directed to the topic of functional assessment. The functional assessment literature has grown to a point, and taken on such importance, that it has become the centerpiece of applied behavior analysis and treatment of challenging behaviors. In addition, several major developments in this area have occurred since 1996, making this comprehensive edited book timely. Functional Assessment for Challenging Behaviors examines topics not previously covered in depth, including history, ethics, and legal issues; the nature and prevalence of challenging behaviors in the context of functional assessment methods; and updates and extensions of existing technologies. Given the ever increasing importance of functional assessment as a core intervention model, this book fills an important niche in the mental health and educational fields.
Synopsis
US federal regulations require mental health and education specialists to be well versed in functional assessment of clients presenting challenging behaviors. This handbook details numerous assessment methods as well as addressing ethical and legal concerns.
About the Author
Johnny L. Matson is Professor and Distinguished Research Master, and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. Prior to his 25 year tenure at LSU, Dr. Matson was a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is the author of over 600 publications including 34 books, and he is editor-in-chief of two journals; Research in Developmental Disorders and Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction; J. L. Matson.- Chapter 2. A Brief History of Functional Analysis and Applied Behavior Analysis; D. R. Dixon, T. Vogel, J. Tarbox.- Chapter 3. Nature, Prevalence and Characteristics of Challenging Behavior; R. Didden, P. Sturmey, J. Sigafoos, R. Lang, M. F. O'Reilly, G. E. Lancioni.- Chapter 4. Function of Challenging Behaviors; G. E. Lancioni, N. N. Singh, M. F. O'Reilly, J. Sigafoos, R. Didden.- Chapter 5. Populations and Problems Evaluated with Functional Assessment; J. M. Huete, P. F. Kurtz, R. J. Boyd.- Chapter 6. Methods of Defining and Observing Behaviors; S. Hurwitz, N. F. Minshawi.- Chapter 7. Interview and Observation Methods in Functional Assessment; A. M. Kozlowski, J. L. Matson.- Chapter 8. Experimental Functional Analysis; T. R. Vollmer, H. S. Roane, A. B. Rone.- Chapter 9. In Vivo Assessment: Issues of Real Time Data; M. Horovitz, J. L. Matson.- Chapter 10. Scaling Methods of Functional Assessment; M. Sipes, J. L. Matson.- Chapter 11. Treatment Methods Commonly Used in Conjunction with Functional Assessment; N. M. Rodriguez, W. W. Fisher, M. E. Kelley.- Chapter 12. The Role of Functional Assessment in Treatment Planning; D. A. Napolitano, V. M. Knapp, E. Speares, D. B. McAdam, H. Brown.- Chapter 13. Ethical Issues and Considerations; A. Poling, J. L. Austin,