Journal of Psychiatry

Functional Behavior Analysis: a need to update the model to reflect the fundamental cognitive processes of Autistic individuals

19^th Global Congress on Pediatricians & Child Psychiatry

July 12-13, 2017 Chicago, USA

Nelle Frances

Autism Education Consultant, Australia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) is a tool used to determine what motivates behavior. FBA relies on the premise that individuals use behavior to gain something: - acquire something desirable, or avoid/escape something unpleasant. This hypothesis is reliant on individualâ??s behavior being psychologically motivated. This is an over-generalized interpretation of the purpose of behavior, especially in relation to Autistic individuals. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Many Professional modalities consider the results of a Functional Behavior Analysis when determining what motivates behavior in clients. The results determine treatment, therapy and behavior intervention. The concept of FBA was established by B. F. Skinner in 1953 and closely linked with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a treatment for schizophrenia and other psychiatric diagnoses, where patients displayed self-injurious and/or mal-adaptive behaviors. Findings: A 1982 study (Iwata et al) included children and adolescents with developmental disorders. In a 2004 study authors modified FBA methodology to include ability to assess low-rate behavior. Small control groups of between 3, 9 and 12 individuals were used. Lang et al (2009) compared results of FBA conducted in Therapy rooms versus classrooms. Results were ambiguous. Tiger et al (2009) note that Iwataâ??s method requires modification for distinct populations. The standard method of interpretation is visual inspection; this risks subjectivity in interpretation. (Kazdin, 2010). My clinical observations of Autistic children and adults have consistently shown they have a distinctive combination of traits at the core of their condition. These fundamental traits influence all behavior and should be considered when deciding treatment plans. Traits are:- sensory issues, rule oriented, perfectionism, trust issues, and wanting to fit in. Conclusion & Significance: These fundamental cognitive processes of Autistic individuals over-ride the concept of behavior being psychologically motivated. Using the outdated paradigm of Functional Behavior Analysis to decode the behavior of Autistic individuals leads to incorrect assumptions and behavior treatment plans that may be contraindicated. New methodology needs to be investigated.

Biography :

Nelle Frances is an Education consultant with over 20 years’ experience in Special Education. Her passion is investigating the impact of sensory issues on the behavior of individuals with Autism. She has written several books and programs for Autistic individuals and those supporting them. She is the parent of an adult son on the Autism Spectrum. She divides her time between consulting with clients and delivering her popular Sensory Detective Training Workshop for Teachers, Health Professionals, Employment and Community support workers and families.

Email: nelle@aspiechild.com.au