Helping a man with multiple disabilities increase object-contact responses and reduce hand stereotypy via a microswitch cluster program.
BACKGROUND
People with profound and multiple disabilities often display aberrant behaviours (such as stereotypical movements) which can inhibit learning and lead to social stigmatisation. This study was designed to help a man with multiple disabilities increase his object-contact responses and reduce hand stereotypy (in this case, hand/wrist rotation).


METHODS
An A-B-A-B design with a 3-month post-intervention check was employed. At baseline, a combination of microswitches (or microswitch cluster) was used to monitor the man's object-contact responses and hand stereotypy. During the intervention phases and post-intervention check, the microswitch cluster was combined with preferred stimuli for object-contact responses occurring without hand stereotypy. The stimulation lasted for 8 seconds if the man remained free from hand stereotypy for that time, but was interrupted if the stereotypy appeared.


RESULTS
The intervention showed an increase in object-contact responses occurring without hand stereotypy and a reduction in session time with hand stereotypy. These data were maintained at the 3-month post-intervention check.


CONCLUSIONS
Replication of these findings with other individuals would confirm the utility of this type of intervention for increasing constructive responding and reducing stereotyped behaviours.
Lancioni
Giulio E
GE
Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
Singh
Nirbhay N
NN
O'Reilly
Mark F
MF
Sigafoos
Jeff
J
Didden
Robert
R
Smaldone
Angela
A
Oliva
Doretta
D
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004582:Electronics, Medical; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010291:Paresis / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012984:Software; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000150:complications; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*