Functional Analysis and Treatment of Hoarding in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Excessive collecting is frequently reported in children with autism spectrum disorder, but few studies have used behavior analytic interventions based on functional analysis to treat it. In the current study, functional analysis results informed the creation of a multicomponent treatment package involving parent training for a 12-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder who engaged in interfering hoarding that was significantly limiting quality of life for both her and her family. Based on the results of the functional analysis, which suggested automatic and potential attention functions, we evaluated differential reinforcement, rules, and acceptability criteria across the two hoarding topographies. Using a multiple baseline across behaviors design, results showed that the multicomponent treatment package successfully reduced hoarding. Social validity measures indicated a reduction in symptom severity, improvements in family quality of life, and high consumer satisfaction. In addition, outcomes were maintained over 2 months. This study shows the utility of functional analysis-based treatments for hoarding in children with autism spectrum disorder.