Effects of warning stimuli for reinforcer withdrawal and task onset on self-injury

J Appl Behav Anal. 1998 Winter;31(4):679-82. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1998.31-679.

Abstract

Results of a functional analysis of self-injurious behavior (SIB) in a child with autism showed that her SIB was maintained by access to preferred objects and escape or avoidance of task demands. Extinction and noncontingent reinforcement treatments were supplemented by presenting a statement combined with a picture cue at 30-s intervals indicating that a preferred object would be removed or a task would be presented. Warning stimuli in combination with extinction and noncontingent reinforcement reduced SIB to acceptable levels. SIB rates remained comparatively high in a control condition consisting of a 2-min delay to onset of reinforcer removal or task demands.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Extinction, Psychological*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / therapy*