Screening by Observation

One concern with informant-based measures is that challenging behavior is not actually measured in the time and place in which it is reported to occur, making it difficult to assess the specific topography of challenging behavior in question and the environmental variables responsible for its occurrence. A functional approach to screening for challenging behavior, that relies on direct observation and compliments the informant-based measures described above, was developed by Fahmie and colleagues (2016; 2020). Here, “sensitivity tests” were designed to screen for emerging challenging behavior under a variety of situations that are commonly associated with challenging behavior.

These procedures mimic those of a functional analysis (see Functional Behavior Assessment), but are brief and embedded within a small-group play context. Children are exposed to brief periods of time when:

(1) a caregiver’s attention is diverted away from them, (2) preferred tangible items are restricted, and (3) demands are presented to them.

If challenging behavior occurs during these situations, the caregiver either:

(1) delivers attention, (2) provides access to the tangible item, or (3) terminates demands.

These situations are then compared with a free-play situation in which the child has access to toys and attention in the absence of demands.

Situations that occasion challenging behavior, relative to the free-play context, are then suspected to be functionally related to challenging behavior. Stated differently, the situations that produce challenging behavior likely mimic the learning environment in which challenging behavior may occur and develop. By identifying those situations, and the consequences that are likely to reinforce challenging behavior, the child can be taught alternative and more socially appropriate ways to behave and communicate under those same situations. This screening model, however, is early in its development and further research is needed to determine its efficacy.