Training an autistic client: the effect of brief restraint on disruptive behavior.
A profoundly retarded autistic client who was making no progress in self-help skill training sessions exhibited disruptive behaviors which were incompatible with training goals. These behaviors included withdrawal, self-stimulation and mascular rigidity. Following baseline measurement of the effectiveness of standard behavior-shaping techniques, brief restraint was implemented to decelerate the disruptive behaviors. During treatment conditions a two-trainer procedure was employed. All task-oriented behavior was followed by positive reinforcement. The disruptive behaviors of the client decreased following the introduction of the restraint procedure. As the disruptive behaviors were reduced, progress in a self-help training program was evidenced. Following a fading procedure a single trainer could control the behavior of the client via positive reinforcement alone.
D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D012653:Self Stimulation