The effects of blocking mouthing of leisure items on their effectiveness as reinforcers.
Leisure items are commonly used as reinforcers in behavior-analytic applications. However, a defining feature of autism is the occurrence of stereotypy, and individuals with autism often engage leisure items in a stereotyped manner. The opportunity for stereotyped interaction may be the only aspect of a contingent stimulus that makes it a reinforcer for appropriate behavior. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of blocking stereotyped reinforcer interaction on reinforcer efficacy for 2 children with autism. Results showed that blocking stereotypic reinforcer interaction did not influence reinforcer efficacy.
Tarbox
Rachel S F
RS
California State University, Los Angeles, USA.
Tarbox
Jonathan
J
Ghezzi
Patrick M
PM
Wallace
Michele D
MD
Yoo
J Helen
JH
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002755:Choice Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior