Incorporating noncontingent reinforcement into functional communication training.

Abstract

We examined the effects of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) with functional communication training (FCT) to decrease the tangibly maintained problem behavior (PB) of a 4-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder, replicating and extending Goh et al. (2000). We implemented FCT with extinction to strengthen a functional communication response (FCR), but the removal of the preferred item evoked problem behavior at levels that interfered with teaching an FCR. We then implemented a variety of NCR variations along with FCT. Problem behavior remained low, whereas a return-to-baseline probe suggests that the participant acquired the FCR despite having access to the functional reinforcer during FCT sessions.

Further examination of behavior during extinction‐based treatment of pediatric food refusal

“…However, when reinforcement was included, there were fewer increases in negative vocalizations (67.5%) relative to when reinforcement was not included (80%). Regardless, more research is needed to continue comparing the difference in responding when extinction‐based treatment includes or does not include reinforcement, especially given that relinquishing preferred items during differential reinforcement can pose challenges (Boyle et al., 2022) or caregivers may be reluctant to add unnecessary elements (Phipps et al., 2022). Of final note is that therapists always provided enthusiastic, behavior‐specific praise following active acceptance and mouth clean, during all conditions and treatment variations across data sets.…”