Abstract
Potential relations between behavior state and switch use in 3 adults with profound multiple impairments were investigated. Observations were conducted during a regularly scheduled leisure activity. Each participant was provided with an adaptive switch that was connected to a preferred battery-operated leisure device. Closures of the adaptive switch produced activation of the device. Behavior states were measured using an abbreviated version of a state scale developed by Guess et al. [Guess, D., Roberts, S., Siegel-Causey, E., Ault, M. M., Guy, B., Thompson, B., and Rues, J. (1993). American Journal on Mental Retardation 97: 634–653]. Adaptive switch use was measured using an automated event recorder that recorded the time of each switch closure and release. Frequency and duration of switch closures were tallied using a computer software program, and then data on switch closures and ratings of behavior state were aligned in 1-min intervals. Results showed that although each of the 3 participants exhibited a predominant behavior state, changes in state within observation periods were common. Differences in rates and duration of switch closures were observed across behavior states, although interaction of state and adaptive switch use was idiosyncratic for each of the 3 participants.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
American Association on Mental Retardation. (1992). Mental retardation: Definition, classification, and systems of support, Author, Washington, DC.
Ault, M. M., Guy, B., Guess, D., Bashinski, S., and Roberts, S. (1995). Analyzing behavior state and learning environments: Application in instructional settings. Ment. Retard. 33: 304–316.
Berkson, G., and Davenport, R. K. (1962). Stereotyped movements of mental defectives: Initial survey. Am. J. Ment. Defic. 68: 511–524.
Cohen, J. (1960). A coefficient of agreement for nominal scales. Educ. Psychol. Meas. 20: 37–46.
Dattilo, J., and Rusch, F. R. (1985). Effects of choice on leisure participation for persons with severe handicaps. J. Assoc. Persons Severe Handicaps 10: 194–199.
Dura, J. R., Mulick, J. A., and Rasnake, L. K. (1987). Prevalence of stereotypy among institutionalized nonambulatory profoundly mentally retarded people. Am. J. Ment. Defic. 91: 548–549.
Guess, D., Mulligan-Ault, M., Roberts, S., Struth, J., Siegel-Causey, E., Thompson, B., Bronicki, G., and Guy, B. (1988). Implications of behavior states for the education and treatment of students with the most profound handicapping conditions. J. Assoc. Persons Severe Handicaps 13: 163–174.
Guess, D., Roberts, S., Siegel-Causey, E., Ault, M. M., Guy, B., Thompson, B., and Rues, J. (1993). Analysis of behavior state conditions and associated environmental variables among students with profound handicaps. Am. J. Ment. Retard. 97: 634–653.
Guess, D., Siegel-Causey, E., Roberts, S., Rues, J., Thompson, B., and Siegel-Causey, D. (1990). Assessment and analysis of behavior state and related variables among students with profoundly handicapping conditions. J. Assoc. Persons Severe Handicaps 15: 211–230.
Hollenbeck, A. (1978). Problems of reliability in observational research. In Sackett, G. (ed.), Observing Behavior: Vol. II. Data Collection and Analysis Methods, University Park Press, Baltimore, pp. 79–98.
Ivancic, M. T., and Bailey, J. S. (1996). Current limits to reinforcer identification for some persons with profound multiple disabilities. Res. Dev. Disabil. 17: 77–92.
Leatherby, J. G., Gast, D. L., Wolery, M., and Collins, B. C. (1992). Assessment of reinforcer preference in multi-handicapped students. J. Dev. Disabil. 4: 15–36.
Mudford, O. C., Hogg, J., and Roberts, J. (1997). Interobserver agreement and disagreement in continuous recording exemplified by measurement of behavior state. Am. J. Ment. Retard. 102: 54–66.
Rainforth, B. (1982). Behavior state and orienting: Implications for educating profoundly retarded students. J. Assoc. Severely Handicapped 6: 33–37.
Realon, R., Favell, J. E., and Dayvault, K. A. (1988). Evaluating the use of adapted leisure materials on the engagement of persons who are profoundly, multiply handicapped. Educ. Train. Ment. Retard. 23: 228–237.
Reid, D. H., Phillips, J. F., and Green, C. W. (1991). Teaching persons with profound multiple handicaps: A review of the effects of behavioral research. J. Appl. Behav. Anal. 24: 319–336.
Saunders, M. D., Questad, K. A., Kedziorski, T. L., Boase, B. C., Patterson, E. A., and Cullinan, T. B. (2001). Unprompted mechanical switch for use in individuals with severe multiple disabilities: An evaluation of the effects of body position. J. Dev. Phys. Disabil. 13: 27–39.
Saunders, M. D., Timler, G., Cullinan, T. B., Pilkey, S., Questad, K. A., and Saunders, R. R. (2003). Evidence of contingency awareness in people with profound multiple impairments: Response duration versus response rate indicators. Res. Dev. Disabil. 24(4): 231–246.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mellstrom, B.P., Saunders, M.D., Saunders, R.R. et al. Interaction of Behavioral State and Microswitch Use in Individuals With Profound Multiple Impairments. J Dev Phys Disabil 17, 35–53 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-005-2199-4
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-005-2199-4