Functional Analysis and Treatment of Arranging and Ordering by Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Of the diagnostic features of autism, relatively little research has been devoted to restricted andOf the diagnostic features of autism, relatively little research has been devoted to restricted andrepetitive behavior, particularly topographically complex forms of restricted and repetitivebehavior such as rigidity in routines or compulsive-like behavior (e.g., arranging objects inpatterns or rows). Like vocal or motor stereotypy, topographically complex forms of restrictedand repetitive behavior may be associated with negative outcomes such as interference with skillacquisition, negative social consequences, and severe problem behavior associated withinterruption of restricted and repetitive behavior. In the present study, we extended functionalanalysis methodology to the assessment and treatment of arranging and ordering for 3individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. For all 3 participants, arranging and ordering wasfound to be maintained by automatic reinforcement, and treatments based on function reducedarranging and ordering.