Assessment and treatment of escape from attention in the form of conversation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment procedures for problem behavior maintained by escape from attention in the form of conversation for a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. After conducting a functional analysis that confirmed this function, we implemented a preference assessment to identify some forms of attention that were not aversive. Treatment consisted of four conditions, implemented in a series of reversals. During each condition, the participant chose from some of the following concurrently available options: three forms of attention, escape from conversation, and escape from conversation with a 2‐min delay. We implemented the delay to reduce (devalue) the reinforcing value of escape from conversation. The participant preferred escape from conversation to social interaction when all four consequences were available immediately. When escape from conversation was possible with a delay, the participant's preference changed to social interaction. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Assessment and treatment of problem behavior maintained by escape from attention

“…As such, future studies should continue to explore procedures that increase the preference for social interaction in individuals whose problem behavior is maintained by escape from attention. Harper et al (2013), Hagopian et al, (2001), Tiger et al (2009), andCengher et al (2021) initiated their functional analyses using traditional test and control procedures (i.e., escape from demands, tangible, attention, and toy play). During these initial analyses, the authors observed elevated rates of problem behavior in the toy play and escape-from-demands conditions.…”

“…(2009), and Cengher et al. (2021) initiated their functional analyses using traditional test and control procedures (i.e., escape from demands, tangible, attention, and toy play). During these initial analyses, the authors observed elevated rates of problem behavior in the toy play and escape‐from‐demands conditions.…”

“…Cengher et al. (2021) evaluated a treatment aimed to increase preference for social interaction in a child whose problem behavior was maintained by escape from attention. The authors taught the participant to mand to be alone, as well as to mand for four different forms of social interaction (e.g., high five, thumbs up, clapping).…”

“…In addition, tolerating social interaction can increase the number of socially mediated learning opportunities one may benefit from (e.g., during circle time at school). Cengher et al (2021) evaluated a treatment aimed to increase preference for social interaction in a child whose problem behavior was maintained by escape from attention. The authors taught the participant to mand to be alone, as well as to mand for four different forms of social interaction (e.g., high five, thumbs up, clapping).…”

Behavioral Assessment and Treatment of Aerophagia

“…For Khloe, we also found that a divided attention context evoked aerophagia. Other studies found that certain forms of attention can be punishing (Cengher et al., 2021b), can reduce one’s speech to the point where they are diagnosed with selective mutism (Cengher et al, 2021a), and can function as a reinforcer for extremely dangerous problematic behavior (e.g., pica, Ness et al, 2020). Collectively, these studies demonstrate that attention can play many roles.…”