Reduction of automatically maintained self-injurious behavior utilizing noncontingent matched stimuli. (June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davis, Tonya N.; Dacus, Sharon; Strickland, Erica; Machalicek, Wendy; Coviello, Laura
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 16:Number 3(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 166
• Page End: 171
• Publication Date: 2013-06
• Subjects: Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2013.766819
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: Analyze the effects of noncontingent matched stimulation (NMS) on the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of an eight-year-old boy with autism.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: First, a functional analysis was conducted to identify the reinforcers maintaining SIB. Next, an informal preference assessment was conducted to identify a potential object to provide safe matched stimulation. A multielement design was implemented to evaluate the effects of two conditions: (a) noncontingent access to attention and unmatched stimulation (DVD player) and (b) intervention consisting of access to NMS.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: Results suggested that NMS resulted in a marked decrease of SIB relative to baseline conditions with unmatched stimulation.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Findings suggest that unconventional stimuli may provide stimulation similar to that produced by SIB.</p> </abstract>