Abstract
We evaluated the effects of lag schedules of reinforcement during functional communication training (FCT) on the varied use of mands and challenging behavior by two individuals diagnosed with autism. Specifically, we compared the effects of Lag 0 and Lag 1 schedules of reinforcement during FCT. The results showed that each participant exhibited increases in varied mand responding during FCT with the Lag 1 schedule of reinforcement relative to Lag 0; challenging behavior remained low during both FCT lag conditions relative to baseline. Results are discussed in terms of treatment implications relating to FCT and the potential prevention and/or mitigation of clinical relapse during challenges to treatment.
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Funding
This study was not funded by a grant or any other external sources.
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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Ethical Procedures
All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.
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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
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Implications for Practice
• Extension of previous research on the use of FCT to treat challenging behavior exhibited by individuals with autism
• Extension of previous research on the use of lag schedules to increase varied mand responding in individuals with autism
• First investigation to evaluate the effects of combining lag schedules and FCT on varied mand usage during treatment of challenging behavior
• Reinforcing mand variability may have utility in preventing or mitigiating clinical relapse of challenging behavior during challenges to treatment
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Adami, S., Falcomata, T.S., Muething, C.S. et al. An Evaluation of Lag Schedules of Reinforcement During Functional Communication Training: Effects on Varied Mand Responding and Challenging Behavior. Behav Analysis Practice 10, 209–213 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-017-0179-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-017-0179-7