Functional Analysis and Treatment of Repetitive Verbal Behavior in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Functional Analysis and Treatment of Repetitive Verbal Behavior in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Language: English
Authors: Aarti H. Thakore (ORCID 0000-0002-6968-9171), Tracy L. Kettering
Source: Analysis of Verbal Behavior. 2025 41(1):68-83.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Functional Behavioral Assessment, Repetition, Child Behavior, Verbal Communication, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention, Verbal Operant Conditioning, Outcomes of Treatment, Children
DOI: 10.1007/s40616-024-00208-4
ISSN: 0889-9401
2196-8926
Abstract: Repetitive verbal behavior presents a unique challenge to researchers and clinicians as the topography of the behavior often appears to be a mand for information or tangibles; however, the repetitive nature of the behavior indicates otherwise. The purpose of the current study was to (a) extend the application of functional analysis (FA) methodology to identify the functionally related variables of the repetitive verbal behavior (requests for information and/or requests for tangibles) of three children with autism spectrum disorder and (b) verify results of the FA during a function-based intervention evaluation. Results of the FA showed that the repetitive verbal behavior of the three participants was maintained by access to adult attention instead of access to information or tangibles. Using this information, we taught the participants to mand for attention during functional communication training. Results of the functional communication training demonstrated a reduction in the repetitive verbal behavior and an increase in mands for attention.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1478345
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Repetitive verbal behavior presents a unique challenge to researchers and clinicians as the topography of the behavior often appears to be a mand for information or tangibles; however, the repetitive nature of the behavior indicates otherwise. The purpose of the current study was to (a) extend the application of functional analysis (FA) methodology to identify the functionally related variables of the repetitive verbal behavior (requests for information and/or requests for tangibles) of three children with autism spectrum disorder and (b) verify results of the FA during a function-based intervention evaluation. Results of the FA showed that the repetitive verbal behavior of the three participants was maintained by access to adult attention instead of access to information or tangibles. Using this information, we taught the participants to mand for attention during functional communication training. Results of the functional communication training demonstrated a reduction in the repetitive verbal behavior and an increase in mands for attention.
ISSN:0889-9401
2196-8926
DOI:10.1007/s40616-024-00208-4