Instruction in Functional Assessment, 2014a

Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1:
pg viii
Challenging Behaviors of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities pg 1
This chapter briefly describes the characteristics of individuals with developmental disabilities and the challenging
behaviors frequently displayed by this population. Research on the behavioral principles that have been shown
to account for the occurrence of challenging behaviors is summarized. The risk factors contributing to individuals’
challenging behaviors and the context in which they occur are explored to lay the groundwork for the need for effective
assessment and treatment methods.
Chapter 2:
The Methodology of Functional Assessment: Process and Products pg 17
This chapter defines functional assessment and describes why this approach is useful. It focuses on the methodology of
functional assessment, including surveys, rating scales, observations, and experimental approaches to determine the
function of behavior. The step-by-step process of functional assessment and ethical considerations are described.
Chapter 3:
Treatment Implications Based on the Functional Assessment pg 34
Consideration is given to the relevant factors involved in making treatment selections based on current research
and function of the individual’s challenging behaviors. To put it all together, the design of treatment as reflected in
behavior intervention plans is reviewed.
Chapter 4:
Teaching Functional Assessment Content pg 54
Identification of the relevant content material that provides the foundation for knowledge of functional assessment
and the multiple resources available to access it are noted. Several instructionally effective methods for teaching
knowledge and clinical decision-making are then briefly described.
Chapter 5:
Teaching Functional Analysis pg 69
This chapter reviews how performance-based instruction and role play have been used to develop practitioner skills.
Functional analysis, one type of functional assessment, involves an experimental manipulation of possible reasons for
the challenging behavior. A brief description of past research involving how to teach functional analysis is reviewed.
Additionally, methods of promoting generalization of those newly acquired skills beyond the training situation by
incorporating case-based learning and general case strategy are described.
Chapter 6:
Functional Analysis Case Training/FACT pg 79
This chapter describes a plan to guide teaching functional analysis skills in a comprehensive manner through role
play, case-based teaching, and performance-based training methods. This exercise, with content material based on
actual research cases, is designed to teach the process and implementation of functional analysis for use in classrooms,
in-service training, and workshops.
Chapter 7:
Resources for Team Members of Interdisciplinary Professionals pg 115
In this chapter, the differing perspectives of the functional assessment process are summarized. Additional examples
and blank templates are shared to help broaden the reader’s approach to functional assessment.
References pg 130