Functional behavior assessment for people with autism Making sense of seemingly senseless behavior

Like habits, all behaviors are learned, serving as a form of communication. However, discerning what the person with autism is trying to communicate is difficult, at best. Historically, "make the punishment fit the crime" was the time-honored-but not necessarily best-curbing method. This book takes a more proactive approach, asking instead why the behavior is happening. Glasberg (director, Glasberg Behavioral Consulting Svcs., LLC; coauthor, Siblings of Children with Autism) and LaRue (director of Behavioral and Research Svcs., Douglass Developmental Disabilities Ctr., Rutgers Univ.) offer parents, teachers, and caregivers the tools to track behaviors and discover their roots. Using real-life examples and a straightforward explanation of Learning Theory, data can be entered into simple charts and compiled to assist in discovering the why of the action. Once the desired communication (attention or avoidance, for example) is discerned, strategies can be put in place. VERDICT A deeper exploration of work with adults on the spectrum (in the real-life scenarios, for example) would be helpful, as there is little here that specifically addressees that population. On the other hand, the data-collection method behind Functional Behavior Assessment is the same across the board. Recommended reading for all parents, teachers, and caregivers, as every child could benefit from the principles in this book.-Virginia Johnson, Weymouth P.L., MA (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.