Abstract
In the present study, an intervention based on functional assessment was implemented, and the effect of that intervention on aggressive behavior was examined. The participant was a 7-year-old boy who had been diagnosed as having pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) , and who had shown much aggressive behavior. The results of the functional assessment led to the following hypotheses: (1) The boy exhibited aggressive behavior in order to get attention from his classmates; and (2) he exhibited aggressive behavior in order to get tangible items and situations that he wanted. On the basis of these hypotheses, interventions were implemented that used differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) and time-out. Aggressive behavior occurred in more than 15 observation units during baseline, and 13 units in the period in which differential reinforcement of alternative behavior was implemented. However, when time-out was added to the differential reinforcement of alternative behavior procedure, the number of units in which aggressive behavior was observed gradually decreased. These results suggest that the intervention based on the functional assessment was effective for this child with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified and aggressive behavior.
