Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of object self-stimulation on the task-interrupting self-stimulatory behavior and prevocational work responses of a 13-year-old autistic boy. Using a multiple-baseline design across three diferent prevocational tasks, a systematic manipulation of object self-stimulation was associated with increases in correct rates and decreases in task-interrupting self-stimulatory behaviors. An analysis of these data indicates that self-stimulatory behavior may be shaped to facilitate performance proficiencies. Social validation information suggests that favorable generalized responding had occurred. On the basis of findings from this study, future research needs are discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bierly, C., & Billingsley, F. (1983). An investigation of the educative effects of overcorrection on the behavior of an autistic child.Behavior Disorders, 9, 11–21.
Bitgood, S. C., Crowe, M. H., Suarez, Y., & Peters, R. D. (1980). Immobilization: Effects and side effects on stereotyped behavior in children.Behavior Modification, 4, 187–208.
Chock, P. N., & Glahn, T. J. (1983). Learning and self-stimulation in mute and echolalic autistic children.Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 13, 365–381.
Clarke, J. C., & Thomason, S. (1983). The use of an aversive smell to eliminate autistic self-stimulatory behavior.Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 5, 51–61.
Denny, M. (1980). Reducing self-stimulatory behavior of mentally retarded persons by alternative positive practice.American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 84, 610–615.
Foxx, R. M., & Azrin, N. H. (1973). The elimination of autistic self-stimulatory behavior by overcorrection.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 1–14.
Freschi, D., & Dileo, D. (1982). Treatment of self-abusive behaviors using positive interference with an autistic boy.Exceptional Children, 49, 77–78.
Friman, P. C., Cook, J. W., & Finney, J. W. (1984). Effects of punishment procedures on the self-stimulatory behavior of an autistic child.Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 4, 39–46.
Hargrave, E., & Swisher, L. (1975). Modifying the verbal expression of a child with autistic behavior.Journal of Autism and Childhood Schizophrenia, 5, 147–154.
Hung, D. W. (1978). Using self-stimulation as reinforcement for autistic children.Journal of Autism and Childhood Schizophrenia, 8, 355–366.
Johnston, J. M., & Pennypacker, H. S. (1980).Strategies and tactics of human behavioral research. Hillsdale, New Jersey: Erlbaum.
Kanner, L. (1943). Autistic disturbances of affective contact.Nervous Child, 2, 217–250.
Kern, L., Koegel, R. L., & Dunlap, G. (1984). The influence of vigorous versus mild exercise on autistic stereotyped behaviors.Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 14, 57–67.
Klier, J., & Harris, S. L. (1977). Self-stimulation and learning in autistic children: Physical or functional incompatibility?Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 10, 311.
Koegel, R. L., & Covert, A. (1972). The relationship of self-stimulation to learning in autistic children.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 512–528.
Koegel, R. L., Firestone, P. B., Kramme, K. W., & Dunlap, G. (1974). Increasing spontaneous play by suppressing self-stimulation of autistic children.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 521–528.
Lovaas, O. I. (1967). A behavior therapy approach to the treatment of childhood schizophrenia. In J. P. Hill (Ed.),Minnesota symposia on child psychology. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
Murphy, R. J., Nunes, D. L., & Hutching-Ruprecht, M. (1977). Reduction of stereotyped behavior in profoundly retarded individuals.American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 82, 238–245.
O'Brien, F. (1981).Handbook of behavior modification with the mentally retarded. New York: Plenum Press.
Pennypacker, H. S., Koenig, C. H., & Lindsley, O. R. (1972).Handbook of the standard behavior chart: Preliminary edition. Kansas City, Kansas: Precision Media.
Reid, J. G., Tombaugh, T. N., & Heuvel, K. V. (1981). Application of contingent physical restriant to suppress stereotyped body rocking of profoundly mentally retarded persons.American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 86, 78–85.
Rimland, B. (1964).Infantile autism. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Rincover, A. (1978). Sensory extinction: A procedure for eliminating self-stimulatory behavior in psychotic children.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 299–310.
Risley, T. R. (1968). The effects and side effects of punishing the autistic behaviors of a deviant child.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 21–34.
Ritvo, E. P., & Freeman, B. J. (1977). National society for autistic children: Definition of autism.Journal of Pediatric Psycholgoy, 4, 146–148.
Ritvo, E. R., & Freeman, B. J. (1978). Definition of syndrome of autism.Journal of Autism and Childhood Schizophrenia, 8, 162–167.
Selzberg, B., & Napolitan, J. (1974). Holding a retarded boy at a table for two minutes to reduce inappropriate object contact.American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 78, 748–751.
Watters, R. G., & Watters, W. E. (1980). Decreasing self-stimulatory behavior with physical exercise in a group of autistic boys.Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 10, 379–387.
White, O. R., & Haring, N. G. (1980).Exceptional teaching (2nd ed.). Columbus, Ohio: Merrill.
Wolery, M. R. (1978). Self-stimulatory behaivor as a basis for devising reinforcers.American Association for the Education of the Severely/Profoundly Handicapped Review, 3, 23–29.
Wolery, M. R., Kirk, K., & Gast, D. L. (1985). Self-stimulatory behavior as a reinforcer: Effects and side effects.Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 15, 149–161.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sugai, G., White, W.J. Effects of using object self-stimulation as a reinforcer on the prevocational work rates of an autistic child. J Autism Dev Disord 16, 459–471 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01531711
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01531711