Interventions for Aggression and Other Problem Behaviors
Shandel Noda
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Education
Major: Applied Behavior Analysis
Faculty Research Mentor: Daphna El Roy
Abstract:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by impairments in social skills, communication and restrictive, repetitive behaviors, with some individuals exhibiting aggressive behavior that pose challenges for both themselves and their caregivers (Sadler, 2019). Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions have been widely implemented to encourage positive behavioral changes and reduce aggression in individuals with ASD. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to examine studies that focused on interventions targeting problematic behaviors including aggression. An anonymous Google Forms survey was distributed to professionals working in a school, all of whom had experience providing ABA services to individuals with autism. All participants had experience working with individuals aged 15 to 21, and most (62.5%) worked with children ages 3 to 14 years old. The survey included procedural questions to determine whether professionals had implemented evidence-based interventions identified in the literature and how effective they rated these interventions to be. Using breathing techniques and coping skills, in addition to Differential Reinforcement of Other behaviors (DRO) and Functional Communication Training (FCT), for individuals with autism was reportedly used by the highest percentage of participants (62.5%), compared to the other interventions for reducing aggression and increasing appropriate, prosocial behavior. This intervention was also rated as the most effective, receiving the highest ratings on the Likert scale.