Analysis of demand conditions associated with stereotypy.
Possible escape/avoidance functions of stereotypic behavior were investigated in a classroom setting using functional academic tasks. A 6-year-old boy's stereotypic mouthing was assessed during high vs low response activities, familiar vs novel activities and avoidance vs partial-avoidance conditions. Results showed that stereotypy occurred at higher rates during more difficult activities (i.e. those that were novel or required a greater number of responses), and when stereotypy was allowed to effect a delay in instructional demands. Treatment procedures based on these analyses were implemented by the classroom teacher and shown to be effective.
D001362:Avoidance Learning; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D003463:Cues; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior