Functional analysis and treatment of compulsive-like behavior in individuals with autism

Among the diagnostic features of autism, relatively little research has been devoted to restricted and repetitive behavior, particularly, forms of repetitive behavior that have been described as higher-level (e.g., rigidity in routines or compulsive behavior such as arranging objects in patterns or rows; Turner, 1999). This is problematic because, like vocal or motor stereotypy, higher-level repetitive behavior can be associated with negative outcomes such as interference with skill acquisition, negative social consequences, and severe problem behavior associated with interruption of stereotyped behavior. In the present study, we extended the functional assessment model to the assessment and treatment of arranging and ordering and other compulsive-like behavior (e.g., washing/cleaning and completeness ) of two individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Arranging and ordering was maintained by automatic reinforcement for both participants. The functional assessment model was useful for developing treatments for arranging and ordering and other compulsive-like behavior. Interobserver agreement (IOA) was collected for a minimum of 33% of sessions across conditions and exceeded 80%