The Influence of Idiosyncratic Antecedent Variables on Problem Behavior Displayed by a Person with PDD
- Resource Type
- Original Paper
- Authors
- Napolitano, Deborah A.; Tessing, Jennifer L.; McAdam, David B.; Dunleavy, III, James J.; Cifuni, Nicholas M.
- Source
- Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. September 2006 18(3):295-305
- Subject
- idiosyncratic antecedent variables
pervasive developmental disorder
functional assessment
functional analysis
differential reinforcement
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 1056-263X
1573-3580
This study describes an assessment of the influence of idiosyncratic antecedent variables on the problem behavior of a 9-year-old boy with pervasive developmental disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The results of these analyses suggested that the boy displayed problem behavior during situations in which demands were provided and idiosyncratic variables were present. The efficacy of a treatment package consisting of a visual cue and differential reinforcement to treat the boy’s problem behaviors is described. Finally, the importance of assessing the influence of antecedent variables on the problem behavior of persons with developmental disabilities and limitations of the current research are discussed.