An analysis of maladaptive behaviors in persons with autism, PDD-NOS, and mental retardation

In this study, we examined three maladaptive behaviors, self-injurious behavior (SIB), stereotypies, and aggression in adults with autism, pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and mental retardation. We used a brief functional analysis rating scale, The Questions Abou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Research in developmental disabilities 1998-09, Vol.19 (5), p.439-448
Main Authors: Dawson, Jennifer E, Matson, Johnny L, Cherry, Katie E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Adults
Aggression
Aggression - psychology
Autistic Disorder - diagnosis
Autistic Disorder - psychology
Behavior Patterns
Behavior Problems
Biological and medical sciences
Child Development Disorders, Pervasive - diagnosis
Child Development Disorders, Pervasive - psychology
Clinical Diagnosis
Comorbidity
Developmental Disabilities
Female
Humans
Intellectual deficiency
Intellectual Disability - diagnosis
Intellectual Disability - psychology
Male
Medical sciences
Mental Retardation
Middle Aged
Motivation
Personality Assessment
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Reinforcement
Reinforcement (Psychology)
Self Injurious Behavior
Social Behavior Disorders - diagnosis
Social Behavior Disorders - psychology
Stereotyped Behavior
Stereotypy (Psychology)
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Description
Summary:In this study, we examined three maladaptive behaviors, self-injurious behavior (SIB), stereotypies, and aggression in adults with autism, pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and mental retardation. We used a brief functional analysis rating scale, The Questions About Behavioral Functions (QABF), to examine the function of each behavior. Across the three groups, our results indicated that aggression was primarily maintained for attentional reasons and stereotypies for nonsocial reasons. No specific function(s) were found to maintain SIB. These results suggest that the function of a maladaptive behavior may be associated more with the particular maladaptive behavior displayed rather than inclusion in a certain diagnostic group. Implications of findings for assessment and treatment issues are discussed.
ISSN:0891-4222
1873-3379
DOI:10.1016/S0891-4222(98)00016-X