Contingent application of a protective device to treat the severe self-biting behavior of a disturbed autistic child.
This study introduces the Bubble Helmet, a protective device, as an effective means of treating severe cases of self-biting behavior with disturbed developmentally disabled persons. The apparatus is a clear plastic sphere which fastens over the client's head, shielding the mouth from contact with hands and forearms. Use of the bubble in a response-contingent manner effectively eliminated the intense self-biting behavior of a 9-year-old autistic child in a community-based group home. This made it possible for her to be placed in a less restrictive community facility.
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001734:Bites, Human / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D011482:Protective Devices; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior