Functional analysis methodology in developmental disabilities

Abstract

Since the first publications more than 40 years ago, the functional analysis approach has significantly contributed to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. Important gains in both conceptual and applied work have been made in the teaching of adaptive skills and the assessment and remediation of problem behavior. Functional analysis methodology provides an empirically validated framework for the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior. In this chapter, we describe basic assumptions of this approach, review methods for conducting functional analysis in clinical practice, review function-based treatments, and present a brief example of its application.