An Evaluation of Multi‐Component Exposure Treatment of Needle Phobia in an Adult with Autism and Intellectual Disability. Issue 4 (6th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wolff, Jason J.; Symons, Frank J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities. Volume 26:Issue 4(2013:Jul.)
• Page Start: 344
• Page End: 348
• Publication Date: 2012-12-06
• Subjects: Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; People with mental disabilities -- Periodicals; 616.85880072
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-2322

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jar12001-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jar12002-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Fear of medical procedures in general and needles in particular can be a difficult clinical challenge to providing effective health care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.</p> </sec> <sec id="jar12002-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A changing criterion design was used to examine graduated exposure treatment for blood‐injury‐injection phobia in an adult male with autism and intellectual disability and a history of medical noncompliance. The additional contributions of differential reinforcement and a safety signal were also evaluated during treatment.</p> </sec> <sec id="jar12002-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Compliance with needle‐to‐skin contact was achieved by the final criterion phase, and the behavior was maintained on follow‐up. Differential reinforcement and a safety signal added to the quality of treatment but were successfully faded as treatment progressed.</p> </sec> <sec id="jar12002-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>An exposure approach was effective in reducing phobic behavior and may be flexible enough to accommodate component changes and leaner reinforcement schedules applicable to real‐world settings.</p> </sec> </abstract>