Use of nonexclusionary timeout for the elimination of a stereotyped behavior.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a nonexclusionary timeout procedure in reducing a high-frequency stereotyped behavior in a 28-year-old profoundly mentally retarded and autistic male. The experimental design consisted of baseline (A), treatment (B), and 1- and 6-month follow-up studies. After 2 weeks of treatment, the target behavior was reduced to a virtually zero rate of occurrence and the low rate of response was maintained throughout follow-up. Findings suggest that nonexclusionary timeout may prove to be a cost-effective intervention for reducing or eliminating disruptive stereotyped behaviors. The need for further research is indicated.
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior