Behavioral Assessment and Treatment of Noncompliance: A Review of the Literature

Noncompliance is a common behavior problem exhibited by typically developing children, as well as individuals with intellectual disabilities, and is correlated with a number of psychiatric diagnoses later in life. We begin this manuscript by describing the definition and prevalence of noncompliance. We then review the assessment procedures that can be used to identify the variables contributing to noncompliance among children. Finally, we describe recent research on both antecedent and consequence-based treatments for noncompliance. A number of specific interventions, including advance notice, the high-p instructional sequence, prompting precursor behaviors, guided compliance, and differential reinforcement, are highlighted. Throughout the review, we provide specific recommendations for practice.