The current study evaluated the utility of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) in treating automatically reinforced problem behavior in persons with ASDs when stimuli included were informed from either a paired-stimulus (PS) or a competing-item (CI) preference assessment. Two individuals with an autism spectrum disorder participated in this study. The target behavior for both participants was motor stereotypy. At least three replications of both the PS and CI were conducted to assess stability. One item was identified as highly preferred from each of these assessments was used in the remainder of the study. A reinforcer assessment was conducted to assess if the items selected functioned as a reinforcer for an arbitrary response. DRO and NCR treatment sessions were then conducted. NCR was more effect than DRO in reducing motor stereotypy for one participant. A DRA for item engagement was needed for the second participant. For the participant which NCR was effective, NCR with an item identified using the CI was more effective than with an item from the PS. These data were presented at ABAI 2016.
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
Autism Research Database (AFD)
