The effects of precision teaching techniques and functional communication training on problem behavior for a 12-year old male with autism

This study considers the effectiveness of Precision Teaching techniques and Functional Communication Training on problem behavior. The participant, Terrence, was a nonverbal 12 year-old male with developmental delays and a diagnosis of autism. The student's problem behaviors involved pounding tables and mouthing. Pounding was defined as hitting a clenched fist on a desk or table top, a counter, his thigh, his head, or any other object nearby such as a toy as well as using his feet to kick into the air, on the ground, or at an object or person. Mouthing involved placing the collar of his shirt, his fingers, whole hand, or toes, and other objects such as pens and toys in his mouth. This experiment was conducted with the hypothesis that some child behavior problems may actually be a nonverbal means of communication. The effectiveness of functional communication training with a picture exchange system was examined using an AB single design. The data indicated that the participant was escape maintained. Functional communication training reduced the child's rate of aberrant behaviors. Suggestions for future research are made.