Using obsessions as reinforcers with and without mild reductive procedures to decrease inappropriate behaviors of children with autism

Abstract

We assessed the effectiveness of using the obsessions of children with autism to reduce their inappropriate behaviors. Baseline consisted of a traditional differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO) in which food reinforcers were provided contingent upon a period of nonoccurrence of the inappropriate behaviors. Then, three treatment conditions were assessed using a multielement design. One condition provided objects of obsession as reinforcers for periods of nonoccurrence of the inappropriate behaviors. A second condition also provided the obsessions as reinforcers, but in conjunction with mild reductive procedures (verbal "no", time-out). A final condition used the food reinforcers of baseline, but with mild reductive procedures. Results indicated that all three treatment conditions were more effective than the traditional food DRO of baseline. The most effective condition was the obsessions plus mild reductive procedures. Results are discussed in terms of recommendations for effective treatment planning.

Evidence-Based Behavioral Interventions for Repetitive Behaviors in Autism

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Teaching games to young children with autism spectrum disorder using special interests and video modelling

“…Winter-Messiers (2007) suggested using strengthbased interventions in which the special interests of children with ASD are used in positive ways to enhance their performance. In some studies, the special interests of these children were used as contingent reinforcers to increase task performance or decrease the inappropriate behaviours of children with ASD (Charlop-Christy & Haymes, 1996. Other studies incorporated the restricted interests of these children into activities or interventions to teach skills (Angell, Nicholson, Watts, & Blum, 2011;Baker, 2000;Baker, Koegel, & Koegel, 1998;Campbell & Tincani, 2011;Keeling, Myles, Gagnon, & Simpson, 2003;Koegel et al, 2012;Spencer, Simpson, Day, & Buster, 2008).…”

Individualized education programs for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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