Using Applied Behavior Analysis in Addressing Biting Behavior of a Child with Autism: A Case Study.

Rilveria, John Robert C.

Introduction: This study focuses on a boy with autism spectrum disorder presenting with biting behaviors that interfere significantly with functioning. Method: This was a single-case study design examining how techniques of applied behavior analysis can be utilized to decrease the frequency of the child's biting behavior and increase more adaptive behaviors. Results: The findings of the functional analysis indicated that other-inflicted biting behaviors were maintained by contingent escape from task demands (demand condition) and access to preferred objects and activities (tangible condition). Moreover, the self-inflicted biting behavior was found to be maintained by sensory stimulation (alone condition). Given these, a structured behavioral intervention, consisting of differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors, coupled with extinction targeted to each function of the behavior, was effective in reducing other-inflicted biting behavior in the demand conditions (67% reduction) and in the tangible conditions (95% reduction) as well as reducing selfinflicted behaviors in the alone conditions (100% reduction). More appropriate, adaptive behaviors like compliance, picture-assisted requests, and oral sensory activities also increased significantly. Conclusion: These findings indicate that assessment and treatment based on the principles of applied behavior analysis can reduce not only problematic behaviors but also improve adaptive functioning.

EFFECT sizes (Statistics); PHYSICAL therapy; BEHAVIOR therapy; BEHAVIOR disorders; AUTISM in children; AGGRESSION (Psychology) in children; COMMUNICATION; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; MOUTH

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 2022, Vol 16, Issue 2, p162

2322-1194

Academic Journal

10.30491/IJBS.2022.342157.1800