395
Views
2
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

Examination of behavioral flexibility and function of severe challenging behavior in individuals with autism and intellectual disability

, , &
Pages 167-173 | Published online: 29 Jun 2016
 

Abstract

Objectives: Behavioral flexibility may be an important aspect of the occurrence of challenging behavior in individuals with autism and intellectual disability (ID). The primary purpose of the current study was to examine the scores on the Behavioral Flexibility Rating Scale-Revised (BFRS-R) across two groups of individuals with autism: those with ID (AID) and those without ID (A). These scores were then compared to the outcome of each participant’s functional analysis. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between these scores and reported adaptive behavior (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale) within each group.

Methods: The BFRS-R is a survey measure of the degree of an individual’s behavioral inflexibility. Specifically, the BFRS-R identifies those contexts in which challenging behavior is most likely to occur. In the current study, the BFRS-R, functional analysis of challenging behavior outcome, and Vineland II scores were correlated using a Mann–Whitney test for 110 individuals admitted to a specialized inpatient unit.

Results: There was a significant difference (p < .05) between the BFRS-R scores of the A group and the AID group. The A group had slightly higher mean scores (18.3 compared to 15.3), and these individuals were more likely to have challenging behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. Within this group, an automatic function was most likely if the BFRS-R score was above 16. Individuals in the AID group were more likely to have challenging behavior maintained by access to tangible items and activities. Consistent with previous research, higher scores on the BFRS-R were correlated with a higher Adaptive Behavior composite score on the Vineland for both groups.

Conclusions: The BFRS may help inform the functional assessment process so that specific conditions can be evaluated. Also, we were surprised to find that high adaptive scores did not necessarily mean that the individuals with autism had more behavioral flexibility. In fact they had less.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 65.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 184.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.