Treating Challenging Behaviors: The Impact of Methodological and Conceptual Advances in Applied Behavior Analysis‪.‬

The state-of-the-art treatment of challenging behaviors is discussed in terms of methodological and conceptual advances in applied behavior analysis. A protocol for addressing these behaviors is presented that includes a functional analysis, preference assessment, empirically validated treatment with assessments of both inter-observer agreement and procedural integrity, and assessment of outcome generality and maintenance. Key words: Challenging behaviors, preference assessment, functional analysis, establishing operations, behavioral momentum