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Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders pp 1122–1130Cite as

Environmental Engineering/Modifications

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Definition

Environmental engineering/modification strategies, also known as antecedent interventions, are defined as changes to the immediate environment that allow the individual with ASD to process stimuli, predict future events, and respond appropriately. The purpose of environmental engineering strategies is to provide additional information about the appropriate and expected response in any given situation (Neitzel, 2009; Quill, 1995). They are considered proactive strategies to prevent problem behavior and increase appropriate behavior before correcting strategies are needed (Bregman, Zager, & Gerdtz, 2005).

There are a myriad of interventions that fall under the heading of environmental engineering. Such interventions include, but are not limited to, social stories and video modeling, functional communication training, consistent scheduling, choice, and organization, and visual supports. These interventions are often used to prevent problem behavior, but can also be used to...

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Disabilities Studies, University of Delaware, 461 Wyoming Road, Newark, DE, 19702, USA

    Dr. Christine Barthold Ph.D., BCBA-D

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  1. Dr. Christine Barthold Ph.D., BCBA-D
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Correspondence to Christine Barthold Ph.D., BCBA-D .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Psychology Yale University School of Medicine, Chief, Child Psychiatry Children's Hospital at Yale-New Haven Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar (Director, Child Study Center) (Director, Child Study Center)

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Barthold, C. (2013). Environmental Engineering/Modifications. In: Volkmar, F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_153

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_153

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1697-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1698-3

  • eBook Packages: Behavioral Science

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