Functional analyses conducted via telehealth with caregivers as primary therapists

Abstract

Conducting efficient and accurate assessments prior to developing a treatment to eliminate problem behavior is necessary. When surveyed, most clinicians report functional analyses (FAs) to be the most informative in determining the function of problem behaviors when compared to descriptive and indirect methods. However, they also report not conducting FAs as a standard practice. Several barriers are reported, such as lack of time and lack of space. Most FA are designed to be conducted in-person; however, some have utilized a telehealth service delivery model to conduct such assessments. The current study sought to extend the current telehealth FA literature and address the two most reported barriers by using a video conferencing with caregivers as the primary therapists to determine the function of problem behavior. The function of problem behavior was determined across both participants. Benefits, barriers, and future direction of utilizing such an approach are discussed.