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Abstract

A functional analysis is a set of procedures in which a behavior analyst uses single-case designs to systematically manipulate antecedent and consequent stimuli hypothesized to influence problem behavior and measures the effects of those manipulations using reliable, direct observation methods. The information gleaned from a functional analysis can often be used to prescribe effective treatments for violent and aggressive behavior. In this chapter, we describe the essential components of a standard functional analysis of violent and aggressive behavior and how those components can be altered to address unique or idiosyncratic functions of problem behavior. We also discuss recent advances and alterations to a standard functional analysis, provide practical suggestions for practitioners who may wish to incorporate functional analyses into their clinical work, and recommend directions for future research on functional analysis.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Use of this scale should include a citation of both the Fisher et al. chapter, this chapter, and a statement acknowledging that the scale was developed by the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

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Acknowledgments

Grants 5R01HD093734, 5R01HD079113, and 5R01HD083214 from The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development provided partial support for this work.

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Correspondence to Ashley M. Fuhrman .

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Appendix: Destructive Behavior Severity Scale

Appendix: Destructive Behavior Severity Scale

UNMC-MMI’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Destructive Behavior Severity Scale

Child’s Initials:___________________________ Date Of Birth:____/____/________

Date:____/____/________

INJURY RISK BEHAVIOR involves frequently engaging in destructive behavior without recognizing the potential hazards, such as: (a) climbing on objects where falling is probable; (b) running into a street without watching for cars; (c) pulling down objects onto oneself; (d) touching electrical wires, stoves or other dangerous items; (e) drinking or eating dangerous fluids or items (e.g., cleaners, medicines, fertilizer); (f) placing a bag over one’s head; or (g) getting ropes or cords tangled around one’s neck.

For each of the four levels of injury risk behavior listed below, circle how often this type of behavior occurs, ranging from never (N) to over ten times per hour (+10).

N = Never M = Monthly W = Weekly H = Hourly +5 = Over 5 per hour +10 = Over 10 per hour

FREQUENCY:

N M W H +5 +10

Level 1 = INJURY RISK BEHAVIOR resulting in: (a) no marks on body, (b) no burns, (c) no gagging, (d) no vomiting, or (e) no choking.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 2 = INJURY RISK BEHAVIOR resulting in: (a) reddening of skin or mild swelling; (b) a first degree burn; and/or (c) mild gagging.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 3 = INJURY RISK BEHAVIOR resulting in: (a) light scratches, small or shallow breaks in skin, moderate to severe swelling; (b) a second degree burn; (c) vomiting or significant choking.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 4 = INJURY RISK BEHAVIOR resulting in: (a) scars, lasting tissue damage, disfigurement; (b) a third degree burn; (c) poisoning; or (d) loss of consciousness.

AGGRESSION involves forceful pushing or striking others with body parts (e.g., pushing, hitting, kicking, head-butting); hitting others with objects; or scratching, pinching or biting others.

For each of the four levels of aggression listed below, circle how often this type of behavior occurs, ranging from never (N) to over ten times per hour (+10).

N = Never M = Monthly W = Weekly H = Hourly +5 = Over 5 per hour +10 = Over 10 per hour

FREQUENCY

N M W H +5 +10

Level 1 = AGGRESSION resulting in (a) no marks on body and (b) no blows close to or contacting the eyes.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 2 = AGGRESSION resulting in (a) reddening of skin, and/or (b) mild swelling.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 3 = AGGRESSION resulting in (a) light scratches, (b) small or shallow breaks in skin, and/or (c) moderate to severe swelling.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 4 = AGGRESSION involving blows close to or contacting the eyes or resulting in (a) scratches that leave scars, (b) breaks in skin that leave scars, and/or (c) trauma resulting in broken bones or lasting tissue damage or disfigurement.

PICA involves the repetitive and persistent ingestion of inedible items (i.e., items that should not be eaten) such as bark, bugs, cigarette butts, clothing, coins, dirt, food dropped on the floor or ground, grass, leaves, paint chips, pet hair, etc.

For each of the four levels of pica listed below, circle how often this type of behavior occurs, ranging from never (N) to over ten times per hour (+10).

N = Never M = Monthly W = Weekly H = Hourly +5 = Over 5 per hour +10 = Over 10 per hour

FREQUENCY

N M W H +5 +10

Level 1 = PICA involving: (a) no solid items larger than 1/2 in. in diameter (e.g., coins, large buttons), (b) no sharp items (e.g., pins, staples), (c) no contaminated items (e.g., items from garbage can or ash tray, paint chips), and (d) no toxic or poisonous items (e.g., medicines, glue).

N M W H +5 +10

Level 2 = PICA involving (a) solid items larger than 1/2 in. in diameter (e.g., coins, large buttons), but not sharp, contaminated, or toxic or poisonous items.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 3 = PICA involving sharp, contaminated, or toxic or poisonous items, but not requiring emergency medical attention (e.g., called physician for advice).

N M W H +5 +10

Level 4 = PICA involving sharp, contaminated, or toxic or poisonous items and requiring emergency medical attention.

PROPERTY DESTRUCTION involves banging, kicking, throwing, overturning, tearing, cutting, defacing, burning or stomping on objects not made for that purpose.

For each of the four levels of property destruction listed below, circle how often this type of behavior occurs, ranging from never (N) to over ten times per hour (+10).

N = Never M = Monthly W = Weekly H = Hourly +5 = Over 5 per hour +10 = Over 10 per hour

FREQUENCY

N M W H +5 +10

Level 1 = PROPERTY DESTRUCTION resulting in disruption of property but no permanent damage to paper items, toys, teaching materials, furniture, vehicles or buildings.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 2 = PROPERTY DESTRUCTION resulting in damage to paper items or other light objects.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 3 = PROPERTY DESTRUCTION resulting in (a) breakage of pencils, plastic toys, glassware, or other breakable items, and/or (b) scratches or permanent marks on furniture, walls, cars, etc.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 4 = PROPERTY DESTRUCTION resulting in structural damage to furniture, cars, walls, etc.

SELF-INJURIOUS BEHAVIOR (SIB) –forceful striking, scratching, rubbing, poking or biting own body parts such that repetition of the behavior over time has or will cause bodily injury (e.g., hitting, kicking, pinching, scratching or biting self; eye-poking); banging body parts against objects (e.g., head banging).

For each of the four levels of SIB listed below, circle how often this type of behavior occurs, ranging from never (N) to over ten times per hour (+10).

N = Never M = Monthly W = Weekly H = Hourly +5 = Over 5 per hour +10 = Over 10 per hour

FREQUENCY

N M W H +5 +10

Level 1 = SIB resulting in (a) no visible marks on body and (b) no blows close to or contacting the eyes.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 2 = SIB resulting in (a) reddening of skin, and/or (b) mild swelling.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 3 = SIB resulting in (a) light scratches, (b) small or shallow breaks in skin, and/or (c) moderate to severe swelling.

N M W H +5 +10

Level 4 = SIB involving blows close to or contacting the eyes or resulting in (a) scratches that leave scars, (b) breaks in skin that leave scars, and/or (c) trauma involving broken bones or lasting tissue damage or disfigurement.

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Fuhrman, A.M., Greer, B.D., Fisher, W.W. (2021). Functional Analysis of Violence–Aggression. In: Luiselli, J.K. (eds) Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment of Violence and Aggression in Persons with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities . Advances in Preventing and Treating Violence and Aggression . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68549-2_3

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