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), stereotypes, and aggression in adults with autism per vasive 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 functi on of each behavior. Across the three groups, our results indicated th at aggression was primarily maintained for attentional reasons and ste reotypies far nonsocial reasons. No specific function(s) were found to maintain SIB. These results suggest that the function of a maladaptiv e behavior may be associated more with the particular maladaptive beha vior displayed rather than inclusion in a certain diagnostic group. Im plications of findings for assessment and treatment issues are discuss ed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.