Effects of multisensory environments on stereotyped behaviours assessed as maintained by automatic reinforcement.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the sensory equipment provided in a multi-sensory environment (MSE) and the level of social contact provided on levels of stereotyped behaviours assessed as being maintained by automatic reinforcement.


METHODS
Stereotyped and engaged behaviours of two young people with severe intellectual disabilities were observed while the participants were either in a living room or in a MSE and receiving either high or low levels of interaction from carers.


RESULTS
For both participants, levels of stereotyped behaviour were lower in the MSE irrespective of the level of carer attention received, while levels of engagement were higher under conditions of high carer attention in both environments.


CONCLUSIONS
The results are consistent with the hypothesis that reductions in stereotyped behaviour observed in MSEs are due to the increased levels of specific sensory stimulation provided by such environments.
Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.
Lindsay
L
Hill
Karen
K
Trusler
Frederick
F
Furniss
Giulio
G
Lancioni
D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012677:Sensation; D026421:Sensory Art Therapies / Q000379:methods; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000502:physiology*