Enhancing Parent-Implemented Functional Communication Training by Assessing Indices of Happiness. Issue 2 (3rd April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thomas, Benjamin R.; Bauer, Melanie; Macek, Lauren V.; O'Connor, Julia T.
• Is Part Of: Child & family behavior therapy. Volume 45:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03
• Subjects: Challenging behavior -- Down syndrome -- functional communication training -- indices of happiness; Child psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891
• DOI: 10.1080/07317107.2022.2158410
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0731-7107

Abstract

Abstract: Indicators of well-being can be important measures for improving the treatment of challenging behavior and family quality of life. We examined methods for assessing activities associated with indices of happiness (IOH) in a 5-year-old girl with Down syndrome, to mitigate challenging behavior during parent-implemented functional communication training (FCT). During the initial phase treatment (FCT + extinction), challenging behavior persisted, and parents expressed an emerging sense of hopelessness. Treatment modifications informed by the assessments resulted in a > 90% decrease in challenging behavior, promoted reinforcer schedule thinning, improved cooperation with daily routines, and also increased the child's IOH and parent satisfaction.