Work

Evaluation of schedule thinning following treatment for aggression maintained by access to higher level restrictive and repetitive behavior

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: One of the diagnostic characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorders includes engaging in restricted and repetitive behavior. Research has shown that individuals will often display problem behavior when access to restricted and repetitive behavior is blocked. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the use of functional communication training and schedule thinning to treat aggression displayed by three children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders when higher level restrictive and repetitive behavior was blocked. Further, we assessed whether all steps in a schedule-thinning sequence were necessary as well as extended the practicality of these procedures by removing the continuous signal during the delay to reinforcement. The results indicated that functional communication with schedule thinning reduced aggression related to blocking access to engaging in higher level restrictive and repetitive behavior for all participants.

Source: Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis

DOI: 10.1002/jaba.1016

Authors: Jonathan K. Fernand, Timothy R. Vollmer, Sarah K. Slocum, Catherine Baker Simms, Kerri P. Peters

Institutions: Florida Institute of Technology, University of Florida, Emory University, University of Florida Health

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral and Psychological Studies

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: University of Florida