Reduction of automatically maintained self-injurious behavior utilizing noncontingent matched stimuli. (11th March 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: 2013-03-11
• Subjects: Automatically maintained behavior -- environmental enrichment -- noncontingent matched stimulation -- noncontingent matched stimuli -- self-injurious behavior; 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 : Objective : Analyze the effects of noncontingent matched stimulation (NMS) on the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of an eight-year-old boy with autism. Methods : 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. Results : Results suggested that NMS resulted in a marked decrease of SIB relative to baseline conditions with unmatched stimulation. Conclusions : Findings suggest that unconventional stimuli may provide stimulation similar to that produced by SIB.