Self-control in children with autism: response allocation during delays to reinforcement.
This study examined the use of a progressive-delay schedule of reinforcement to increase self-control and decrease disruptive behavior in children with autism. When initially given the choice between an immediate smaller reinforcer and a larger delayed reinforcer, all participants chose the smaller reinforcer. When access to the larger reinforcer required either no activity or engaging in a concurrent task during the delay, all participants demonstrated both self-control and preference for a response requirement. Disruptive behavior decreased during delays that required a concurrent task compared to sessions without an activity requirement.
Dixon
M R
MR
Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program, Rehabilitation Institute, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale 62901, USA. mdixon@siu.edu
Cummings
A
A
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000628:therapy*