Abstract
Functional analysis was used to determine the possible function of inappropriate spitting behavior of
an adult woman who had been diagnosed with profound mental retardation. Results of an initial descriptive
assessment indicated a possible attention function and led to an attention-based intervention, which was
deemed ineffective at reducing the frequency of spitting. A follow-up functional analysis revealed an automatic
function and an intervention of medication prescribed for gastro-esophageal reflux markedly reduced the
frequency of inappropriate spitting. The implications for using functional analysis as a means of identifying
biological events such as medical illness are discussed.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities |
| Volume | 42 |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Disorders
- allergies
- developmental disabilities
- functional analysis
- gastroesophageal reflux
- intellectual disability
- medical conditions
- pica
- sleep deprivation
- spitting behavior
Disciplines
- Disability and Equity in Education
- Special Education and Teaching