|
| Treatment Applications Across Response Topographies |
| Monday, May 31, 2004 |
| 3:00 PM–4:20 PM |
| Constitution B |
| Area: DDA/EDC; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Kimberly P. Weber (Gonzaga University) |
| Abstract: . |
| |
| The Relative Effects of Non-contingent Attention and Non-contingent Tangibles on the Verbal Behavior of a Toddler |
| HOLLY A. GREENE (Gonzaga University), K. Mark Derby (Gonzaga University), Anjali Barretto (Gonzaga University) |
| Abstract: The current study was conducted to determine if exposure to an enriched environment, paired with non-contingent attention, increased the verbal and nonverbal social behavior of a two and a half year old child. First, a functional analysis (FA) was conducted. During the FA zero level of aberrant and verbal behavior were observed. Given these findings, a reinforcer survey and forced choice preference assessment was conducted to determine preferred activities for use within subsequent enriched environment conditions. The child and her parent were then observed across three free play conditions: non-contingent attention, an enriched environment with non-contingent attention, and an enriched environment with no attention. Outcomes across these conditions were analyzed using a reversal design. Verbal social behavior, which showed no increase during the initial FA attention conditions, increased dramatically following the enriched environment conditions. The outcomes are discussed in relation to how non-contingent access to preferred activities can be used to increase social behaviors. |
| |
| The Effect of Choice during Demand Fading |
| KAISA L. WEATHERS (Gonzaga University), Anjali Barretto (Gonzaga University), David P. Wacker (University of Iowa), K. Mark Derby (Gonzaga University) |
| Abstract: In this study we measured impulsivity via a choice paradigm during demand fading across 2 tasks. The participant in this study was a 4-year old boy diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. The results of a functional analysis conducted prior to intervention showed that his behaviors were maintained by both positive and negative reinforcement. Intervention was conducted using a combination of multiple baseline andreversal designs, across 2 tasks. Interobserver agreement for child behavior was 96%. Results showed that during the initial choice conditions he chose the option associated with more work and larger reinforcement (i.e., self-control). As the demand increased he began allocating his choices to the option associated with less work and smaller reinforcement. Results will be discussed in terms of impulsivity and access to choice during demand fading. |
| |
| The Effects of Habit Reversal Techniques to Reduce Tic Behavior in a Preteen with Tourette’s Syndrome |
| CHARLYNE ALLEN (Gonzaga University), K. Mark Derby (Gonzaga University), Anjali Barretto (Gonzaga University) |
| Abstract: The socially significant problem of this study referred to vocal tic behaviors of an 8 year old boy diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome. A functional analysis in a clinic setting revealed attention as the maintaining function of the target behavior. Preference and reinforcer assessments defined reinforcers for treatment. Habit reversal procedures were implemented to teach awareness, self-monitoring, and competing response for vocal tics. Reinforcement was delivered for participation and cooperation with the treatment plan. The effects of a token economy within a leveled reinforcement system resulted in significant reduction of the tic behaviors. The results are discussed with regard to the use of habit reversal procedures for children with Tourette’s Syndrome |
| |
| The Use of Response Latency to Identify Reinforcers for Use in the Reduction of Automatic Behavior in a DRA Treatment |
| STEPHANIE MEADER (Gonzaga University), K. Mark Derby (Gonzaga University), Anjali Barretto (Gonzaga University), Jeremy M. Lee (Spokane Public Schools) |
| Abstract: The effectiveness of two measures of preference were compared in the treatment of automatically reinforced behavior in a female with Rett Syndrome. The compared measures were: (a) forced-choice preference assessment and (b) latency to the first aberrant response. The identified preferred stimuli were evaluated in a fixed time, differential reinforcement of alternate behavior (DRA) schedule. The results indicate that latency to response may be a more effective measure of identifying reinforcing stimuli within DRA treatments for automatically maintained problem behavior. |
|
| |