The convergent validity of the Questions About Behavioral Function scale and functional analysis for problem behavior displayed by individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The QABF parent survey lines up with FA results for most kids with ASD, so use it as a fast first screen.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team asked parents to fill out the Questions About Behavioral Function scale. Then they ran full functional analyses for six kids with autism.
They compared the parent answers to the FA results to see if both pointed to the same function.
What they found
The QABF matched the FA for five of the six children. Parent report and experiment agreed most of the time.
This gives green light to use the quick checklist before doing the longer FA.
How this fits with other research
Nikolov et al. (2009) built a 15-item short form that still keeps the five-function structure. You can save time by using that shorter form first.
Peters et al. (2013) showed a five-minute alone probe spots automatic reinforcement almost every time. Pair that probe with the QABF to decide if you even need a full FA.
Lory et al. (2023) added a heart-rate watch to the FA and found RRB sub-types. Their tech boost does not replace the QABF; it refines what you do after the checklist points to a function.
Why it matters
You can start with the free QABF instead of jumping straight into a lengthy FA. If the checklist and a quick alone probe agree, you can move to treatment faster. This saves hours of session time and still gives you confidence in the function.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Only a few studies have compared the convergent validity of the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) scale to the results of functional analyses (FA). In the current study, six participants who emitted problem behaviors participated in either a brief, or a no-interaction-series FA, while each participant's parent completed the QABF. The results of the study showed that for five participants, the QABF and the FA identified the same non-social function. For one participant, the QABF and FA identified potentially dual functions. Based on our findings, we suggest that the QABF could be embedded within a five-step functional assessment protocol.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2013 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2012.08.003