Effects of peer attention on problem behavior in individuals with autism

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2014

First Committee Member

Bourret, Jason

Second Committee Member

Thompson, Rachel

Third Committee Member

Sassi, Jessica

Abstract

"Research has indicated that the problem behavior of some children can be sensitive to peer-delivered attention. However, the possibility of peer attention as a maintaining variable for problem behavior in individuals diagnosed with autism has not been investigated. In this study, we conducted interviews of caregivers, descriptive assessments, and functional analyses to investigate the reported and actual occurrence of peer attention following problem behavior and as a reinforcer for problem behavior. Caregivers reported that peers commonly delivered attention contingent on problem behavior. Descriptive assessments showed positive contingencies between problem behavior and peer attention for some participants. Functional analyses did not show that peer attention was a reinforcer for problem behavior."

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