title: Self-control as generalized operant behavior by adults with autism spectrum disorder.
abstract: The present investigation attempted to teach self-control to 3 adults who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Using a self-control training procedure that coupled a gradual fading of delay to access a large delayed reinforcer with a concurrent work requirement, each participant was exposed to conditions in which baseline levels of choices for large delayed reinforcers and task engagement increased 10-fold. Furthermore, generalization effects were partially demonstrated in a novel context.
authors.affiliation: Southern Illinois University.
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Dunkel-Jackson
authors.affiliation: Southern Illinois University.
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Dixon
authors.affiliation: Illinois Center for Autism.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Szekely
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D000068356:Self-Control / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: adults; autism; generalized operant self-control; vocational setting