Decreasing Target Behavior in a Child Using Functional Behavior Assessment and Differential Reinforcement

Techniques of behavior modification were employed to address the target behavior of functional excessive coughing–psychogenic cough in a 12-y-old boy referred by a pediatrician who found no identifiable medical reasons. To identify the purpose that maintains the behavior, functional behavior assessment was carried out and in order to reduce the frequency of target behavior, extinction and differential reinforcement of behavior analysis was incorporated. The management resulted in significant decrease of the target behavior of coughing without any medical intervention. Behavior modification is the most empirically supported intervention not only for children with developmental delays but for typical individuals as well.