Evaluation of resurgence after functional communication training of two communication responses.

The current study examined the effects of multiple evaluations of resurgence of challenging behavior. A functional analysis identified the function of participants' challenging behavior. Participants were taught two alternative communication behaviors that served the same function as the challenging behavior. After the participants were taught the first communication behavior, a test for resurgence was implemented, in which reinforcement was withdrawn for using the alternative communication device. Then, a second alternative communication was taught to the participants and reinforced. Next, reinforcement was available for both alternative communication devices. In the final test for resurgence, neither alternative communication behavior was reinforced. This study used an A-B-C-D-B'-C design to evaluate participant responses.