An indirect examination of the function of problem behaviour associated with Fragile X Syndrome and Smith-Magenis Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) are associated with a number of specific topographies of problem behavior. Very few studies have examined the function served by problem behavior in these groups. Using the Questions About Behavioral Function scale Matson and Vollmer (User’s guide: questions about behavioral function (QABF). Scientific Publishers Inc., Baton Rouge, LA, 1995) the current study examined group differences in the function of problem behavior displayed by children with FXS and SMS, in comparison to a control group of children with non-specific intellectual and developmental disabilities. Between-group analyses showed children with SMS were more likely to display problem behavior related to physical discomfort. Both within- and between-group analyses showed children with FXS were less likely to display attention-maintained problem behavior. These findings hold implications for the assessment, treatment and prevention of problem behavior associated with both FXS and SMS

Manipulating the evocative and abative effects of an establishing oepration: Influences on challenging behaviour during classroom instruction

In this study we examined the evocative and abative effects of an establishing operation on challenging behavior during classroom instruction for a student with severe disabilities including autism. A prior functional analysis indicated that his challenging behavior was maintained by access to preferred snack items. During classroom instructional sessions these snack items were visible but not available to the student. In other words challenging behavior was placed on extinction during instruction. Immediately prior to instructional sessions the student received either access to snack items or did not receive access to snacks. Access versus no access to snacks prior to instruction was systematically controlled using a multi-element design. Results demonstrated higher levels of challenging behavior during instruction when the student did not have access to snacks prior to instruction. Very little challenging behavior occurred during instructional sessions when the student had prior access to snacks. Implications for considering the evocative and abative effects of establishing operations when implementing operant extinction in applied settings are discussed

Using Videoconferencing to Conduct Functional Analysis of Challenging Behavior and Develop Classroom Behavioral Support Plans for Students with Autism

Item does not contain fulltextWe conducted a functional analysis of challenging behavior for two students with autism using widely available videoconferencing equipment (laptop computers equipped with web cameras). Observers used the videoconferencing facilities to collect data on challenging behavior and to instruct the therapist conducting the assessment. Results of the functional analyses suggested that challenging behavior was associated with escape from academic demands and access to attention for both students. An intervention, derived from the results of the functional analyses, was implemented in the classroom for both students. This intervention was compared to typical classroom instruction using a multi-element treatment design. Results indicated that the intervention derived from the functional analysis produced substantial reductions in challenging behavior with concomitant increases in academic engagement over typical classroom instruction for both students. These findings provide preliminary support for the use of videoconferencing equipment when conducting functional analyses and developing behavioral support plans for students with autism

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Controversy exists as to whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with invasive bladder cancer, despite randomised controlled trials of more than 3000 patients. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of such treatment on survival in patients with this disease