Evaluating the Diverted Attention Condition in a Trial-Based Functional Analysis

The diverted attention condition of a functional analysis is similar to the standard attention condition; however, instead of the therapist engaging in another task and ignoring the participant, the therapist provides attention to a confederate while diverting attention away from the participant. Contingent upon the occurrence of problem behavior, attention is diverted back to the participant. This study evaluated the diverted attention condition using a trial-based functional analysis format. Results of the standard functional analysis for both subjects were undifferentiated, whereas results of the trial-based functional analysis showed an attention function for one subject through the use of a diverted attention condition and undifferentiated for the other subject. The results suggest that the diverted attention condition can be conducted in a trial-based format without significant changes to the environment