A comparison of experimental functional analysis and the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) in the assessment of challenging behavior of individuals with autism

We compared two functional behavioral assessment methods: the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF; a standardized test) and experimental functional analysis (EFA) to identify behavioral functions of aggressive/destructive behavior, self-injurious behavior and stereotypy in 32 people diagnosed with autism. Both assessments found that self injurious behavior (SIB) was mostly maintained by automatic reinforcement and escape from task demands. Aggressive/destructive behavior was found to be maintained by escape and access to tangibles, whereas stereotypy was mostly maintained by automatic reinforcement. There was exact agreement on function(s) between the two assessments for 24 participants and partial agreement for six participants. Results suggest that the QABF has clinical utility and is an effective tool for ascribing behavioral function. Implications of the present findings for future assessment of behavioral function are discussed.

► We compared two functional behavioral assessment methods, the Questions About Behavioral Function and experimental functional analysis.
► Functions of aggressive/destructive behavior, self-injurious behavior and stereotypy in 32 people diagnosed with autism were examined.
► Exact agreement on function(s) between the two assessments was shown for 24 participants and partial agreement for six participants.
► SIB was mostly maintained by automatic reinforcement and escape from task demands.
► Stereotypy was mostly maintained by automatic reinforcement.