Functional Assessment and Functionally-Derived Treatment for Child Behavior Problems

ABSTRACT

Functional assessment procedures are frequently used to select and develop interventions for children with developmental disabilities who exhibit behavior problems. Research has advanced to the point that theoretical and applied benefits of developing interventions based on functional assessment are apparent Two functions of behavior problems (escape and attention-seeking), functional assessment procedures, and treatment implications of these procedures will be described in this article. Its purpose is to stimulate interest in the potential relevance and advantages of adopting the functional conceptualization of behavior problems to assess and treat behavior problems of typically-developing children.