Comparison of results of functional assessment and analysis methods with young children with autism

The comparative validity of different strategies for conducting functional assessments and analyses continues to be an issue for debate among research ers and clinicians. This study compared results from rating scale, structur ed interview, descriptive observation, and experimental functional analysis approaches to the assessment of the problem behaviors of three young child ren with autism. The results indicated good agreement across indirect and d irect methods. Limitations of the study, as well as implications for resear ch and clinical application were discussed.