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

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders volume 26, pages 527–546 (1996)Cite this article

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.

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Author notes

  1. Linda K. Haymes

    Present address: Spectrum Center for Educational and Behavioral Development, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Claremont Graduate School, USA

    Linda K. Haymes

  2. Department of Psychology, Claremont McKenna College, 850 Columbia Avenue, 91711, Claremont, California

    Marjorie H. Charlop-Christy

Authors
  1. Marjorie H. Charlop-Christy
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  2. Linda K. Haymes
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Additional information

The authors acknowledge Michelle Bott for assisting in the design of this study and thank Dave Chenoweth, Nicole Kent, and Saveria Mazzola for assisting in the recording of reliability. We also thank Leslie Allen for assistance in the data collection.

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Charlop-Christy, M.H., Haymes, L.K. Using obsessions as reinforcers with and without mild reductive procedures to decrease inappropriate behaviors of children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord 26, 527–546 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02172274

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02172274

Keywords

  • Effective Treatment
  • Treatment Condition
  • Treatment Planning
  • School Psychology
  • Reductive Procedure