Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) is used frequently as a treatment for problem behavior. Previous studies on integrity failures during DRA suggest that the intervention robust, but research has not yet investigated effects different types failures. We examined two DRA, starting with human operant procedure and extending results to children disabilities in school setting. Human (Experiment 1) showed conditions involving were more detrimental than failing reinforce...

A functional analysis for a boy with Down syndrome and autism suggested that vocal stereotypy was maintained by automatic reinforcement. The also showed instructions noncontingent attention suppressed stereotypy. treatment package consisting of attention, contingent demands, response cost effectively reduced remained effective even when removed, making the procedure easier to implement. Also, presence therapist in room participant faded systematically. After completion fading, low during...

Prior researchers have evaluated the efficacy of using matching law to describe naturally occurring behavior—environment interactions. However, spurious could be obtained if response and environmental event were correlated, even did not reinforce response. To assess likelihood obtaining when relating attention problem behavior, we behavior 3 participants for whom serve as a reinforcer in functional analysis. Both simple generalized equations used examine relations extracted from descriptive...

This study evaluated how children who exhibited functionally equivalent problem and appropriate behavior allocate responding to experimentally arranged reinforcer rates. Relative rates were on concurrent variable‐interval schedules effects relative response interpreted using the generalized matching equation. Results showed that of approximated reinforcement. Finally, interventions for differential reinforcement alternative extinction procedures implemented increase decrease behavior....

Abstract Response interruption and redirection (RIRD) is a common treatment for automatically reinforced vocal stereotypy; it involves the contingent presentation of task instructions. Tasks that are included in RIRD typically selected based on caregiver report, which may affect efficacy RIRD. The purpose current study was to evaluate role preference four participants who engaged stereotypy. We conducted task‐preference assessments tasks varying preferences include For three out...

Ten individuals, residing in a treatment facility specializing the rehabilitation of sex offenders with developmental disabilities, participated an arousal assessment involving use penile plethysmograph. The assessments involved measuring change circumference to various categories stimuli both appropriate (adult men and women) inappropriate (e.g., 8‐ 9‐year‐old boys girls). This approach extends existing literature by repeated measurement single‐subject experimental design. Data from these...

Descriptive analysis involves the direct observation of target behavior in natural (or naturalistic) contexts to gather information on contiguous and potentially relevant environmental events, absence experimental manipulation. That is, descriptive analyses identify events that are correlated with occurrence some response. is commonly used as a part comprehensive functional assessment problem behavior, prior conducting an analysis. Several advantages have been noted literature. First,...

We conducted descriptive observations of 5 individuals with developmental disabilities and severe problem behavior while they interacted their caregivers in either simulated environments (an inpatient hospital facility) or homes. The focus the study was on caregiver reprimands child behavior. Thus, we compared frequency that immediately preceded a reprimand to following reprimand, results showed decreased reprimand. It is possible are negatively reinforced by momentary attenuation behavior,...

The use of token systems has been supported across a variety populations, but little research evaluated the reinforcing value for individuals with autism. We used progressive-ratio schedules to compare an established system, primary reinforcement, and tokens unpaired reinforcement. Token were variably 2 students autism more so than reinforcement 1 student. Results support formal assessment effectiveness systems.

Despite the utility of experimental functional analysis methodology, not all applications produce differentiated results. Factors such as interaction effects or methodological inefficiencies may compromise likelihood obtaining outcomes. Various studies have addressed methods to improve efficiency methodology (e.g., within‐session responding). In current study, we describe an updated model for progressing from brief extended analyses. The incorporates several procedural refinements developed...

Descriptive observations were conducted to record problem behavior displayed by participants and antecedents consequences delivered caregivers. Next, functional analyses identify reinforcers for behavior. Then, using data from the descriptive observations, lag‐sequential examine changes in probability of environmental events across time relation occurrences The results interpreted light analyses. Results suggested that identified as a analysis followed idiosyncratic ways: after range delays...

Slaton and Hanley (2016) compared the effects of multiple chained schedules on stereotypy item engagement for 2 individuals who exhibited automatically maintained motor stereotypy. Contingent access to (i.e., schedules) was more effective than time-based at reducing stereotypy, increasing engagement, establishing stimulus control both participants. We systematically replicated with participants by a) targeting vocal b) including response interruption redirection as a treatment component...

Research has shown that response interruption and redirection (RIRD) is an effective treatment for vocal stereotypy. To date, no studies have evaluated RIRD in naturally occurring activities. Therefore, the primary purpose of current study was to evaluate signaled

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have impairments in their ability to communicate others. Estimates indicate that about 25–50% of children ASD are nonvocal. To address these deficits, a number augmentative and alternative communication strategies emerged. Commonly used responses included vocal speech, picture exchange, manual signs. While all been shown be effective specific clinical instances, the selection topography has generally based on philosophical preference, rather...

Parents of children with autism, as well numerous practitioners, are bombarded potential treatment options for the individuals whom they care. These treatments include biological interventions, such psychotropic medications, specialized diets, and highly experimental procedures, chelation or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In addition, several non-biological interventions have emerged that little no empirical support. Examples these Relationship Development Interventions DIR/Floortime (Greenspan,...

Group contingencies targeting inappropriate behavior may be especially useful in residential settings where the staff to client ratio makes individualized plan implementation difficult. The purpose of current study was evaluate an independent group contingency on a secure facility for offenders with disabilities. involved differential reinforcement low rate and other via access special activity (a catered weekly lunch). alternated non‐activity weeks total 48 weeks. Results were analyzed...