Using brief assessments to evaluate aberrant behavior maintained by attention

We examined the use of brief functional assessments to identify idiosyncrat ic variables associated with aberrant behavior maintained by positive reinf orcement in the form of attention. Two participants with severe development al disabilities and their parents were involved in the assessment and treat ment evaluation process. A modified attention condition was introduced, whi ch involved both parents interacting with a third person. Results of the as sessment demonstrated that aberrant behavior occurred only in the modified attention condition for both participants. Treatment consisted of che paren ts delivering attention on a fixed-time schedule during this specific socia l concert. Results indicated that the treatment reduced problem behavior. F ollow-up evaluations with 1 participant indicated maintenance of treatment effects for up to 6 months.