David E. Kuhn, Samantha L. Hardesty, & Nicole M. Sweeney. (2009).
Assessment and treatment of excessive straightening and
destructive behavior in an adolescent diagnosed with autism.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
42, 355-360.
Repetitive behaviors such as excessive straightening are commonly
observed among individuals with autism. Attempts to prevent these
behaviors may increase the likelihood of other problem behaviors.
The present study was designed to assess and treat the excessive
straightening and associated destructive behaviors of a 16-year-old
boy who had been diagnosed with autism and moderate mental
retardation. Following a series of functional analyses, an intervention
that incorporated functional communication, extinction of destructive
behavior, and blocking of repetitive straightening was demonstrated
to be effective in reducing straightening and destructive behavior.
DESCRIPTORS: autism, functional communication, precurrent behavior, straightening