Using a Token Economy to Treat Escape-Maintained Problem Behavior Without Extinction. Issue 1 (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andzik, Natalie; Smith, Elle; Neef, Nancy
• Is Part Of: Behavior modification. Volume 46:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: escape-maintained behavior -- token economy -- compliance -- school settings; Behavior modification -- Periodicals; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; 153.85
• DOI: 10.1177/0145445520966762
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-4455

Abstract

The use of extinction procedures when treating escape-maintained problem behavior can be undesirable and impractical for practitioners to use. To mitigate the risks associated with escape extinction, we explored the effectiveness of a delayed reinforcement token system without the use of extinction in school and home settings to treat escape-maintained problem behavior of students with autism spectrum disorder. In lieu of escape extinction (e.g., blocking), the researchers implemented a 30 s break contingent on problem behaviors and a token (to be exchanged at the end of the session) contingent on compliance. The results of a multiple probe design indicated substantial increases in compliance and reductions in problem behavior for all four participants. These findings suggest that extinction is not necessary to eliminate escape-maintained problem behavior in children with autism.