Comparison of Caregiver and Child Mand Modality Preferences Using Sequential Extinction During Functional Communication Training

Abstract

ABSTRACT Functional communication training has been found to be an effective treatment for individuals with developmental disabilities who exhibit challenging behavior. Despite strong empirical support, variables such as preference for the functional communication response modality may influence its effectiveness. Incorporating both child and caregiver preferences into functional communication training remains important to both the social validity and efficacy of treatment. The purpose of this study was to extend previous research by replicating a sequential extinction procedure to establish a preference hierarchy for functional communication response modalities within the context of functional communication training. Next, we compared caregiver‐reported preference hierarchies collected before and after viewing their child's preference data and to their child's preference hierarchies. The sequential extinction procedure resulted in the establishment of a preference hierarchy with minimal and transient challenging behavior for all child participants. One caregiver's reported preference shifted to align with the child's following viewing their child's preference data.