Teaching discriminated social approaches to individuals with Angelman syndrome. Issue 4 (6th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fichtner, Caitlin S.; Tiger, Jeffrey H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied behavior analysis. Volume 48:Issue 4(2015:Winter)
• Page Start: 734
• Page End: 748
• Publication Date: 2015-08-06
• Subjects: Angelman syndrome -- discrimination training -- mixed schedules -- multiple schedules -- social approaches; Psychology, Applied -- Periodicals; Social Behavior -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1002/jaba.237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8855

Abstract

Abstract : Angelman syndrome is a neurogenetic disorder characterized by intellectual and developmental disability. Common behavioral characteristics of this disorder include a heightened interest in social interactions and frequent bids to initiate interaction. These bids can be problematic, for instance, when a child attempts to hug strangers in public places. The current study evaluated a discrimination training program to teach 3 boys with Angelman syndrome to discriminate appropriate from inappropriate times to initiate interactions. During baseline, we alternated periods in which attention was delivered following social initiations on a continuous reinforcement schedule with periods in which initiations were placed on extinction. We then implemented discrimination training by presenting a salient discriminative stimulus, prompting the occurrence of initiations, and providing reinforcement during reinforcement periods and withdrawing the stimulus during extinction periods. This resulted in discriminated approaches for each of the 3 participants; these results were replicated across caregivers and extended to the participants' homes.