101
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Evaluation of the Empirical Support of Functional Communication Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-018-0145-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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102
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Briggs AM, Fisher WW, Greer BD, Kimball RT. Prevalence of resurgence of destructive behavior when thinning reinforcement schedules during functional communication training. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 51:620-633. [PMID: 29774545 PMCID: PMC6041172 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Functional communication training is a well-established treatment for socially reinforced destructive behavior that typically includes differential reinforcement of the functional communication response (FCR) in combination with extinction of destructive behavior. However, when the schedule of reinforcement for the FCR is thinned, destructive behavior may resurge (e.g., Greer, Fisher, Saini, Owen, & Jones, 2016). Currently, data are unavailable on the prevalence and characteristics of resurgence during reinforcement schedule thinning. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of resurgence during reinforcement schedule thinning on a per-case and per-schedule-step basis and also evaluated the magnitude of resurgence in relation to the functions of destructive behavior. We observed resurgence in 19 of the 25 (76%) applications of reinforcement schedule thinning. In some cases, the magnitude of resurgence exceeded the mean levels of destructive behavior observed in baseline. We discuss these results relative to prior translational and applied research on resurgence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M. Briggs
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe‐Meyer Institute
| | - Wayne W. Fisher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe‐Meyer Institute
| | - Brian D. Greer
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe‐Meyer Institute
| | - Ryan T. Kimball
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe‐Meyer Institute
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103
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Hagopian LP, Rooker GW, Yenokyan G. Identifying predictive behavioral markers: A demonstration using automatically reinforced self-injurious behavior. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 51:443-465. [PMID: 29781180 PMCID: PMC7269171 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Predictive biomarkers (PBioMs) are objective biological measures that predict response to medical treatments for diseases. The current study translates methods used in the field of precision medicine to identify PBioMs to identify parallel predictive behavioral markers (PBMs), defined as objective behavioral measures that predict response to treatment. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by examining the accuracy of two PBMs for automatically reinforced self-injurious behavior (ASIB). Results of the analysis indicated both functioned as good to excellent PBMs. We discuss the compatibility of this approach with applied behavior analysis, describe methods to identify additional PBMs, and posit that variables related to the mechanisms of problem behavior and putative mechanism of treatment action hold the most promise as potential PBMs. We discuss how this technology could guide individualized treatment selection, inform our understanding of problem behavior and mechanisms of treatment action, and help determine the conditional effectiveness of clinical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis P Hagopian
- The Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Griffin W Rooker
- The Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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104
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Briggs AM, Akers JS, Greer BD, Fisher WW, Retzlaff BJ. Systematic Changes in Preference for Schedule-Thinning Arrangements as a Function of Relative Reinforcement Density. Behav Modif 2018; 42:472-497. [PMID: 29182009 PMCID: PMC5930149 DOI: 10.1177/0145445517742883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We treated destructive behavior maintained by both social-positive (i.e., access to tangibles) and social-negative (i.e., escape from demands) reinforcement in an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder using functional communication training (FCT). We then thinned the schedule of reinforcement for the tangible function using a multiple schedule (mult FCT) and later thinned the availability of escape using a chained schedule (chain FCT). Both treatments proved effective at maintaining functional communicative responses while decreasing destructive behavior to near-zero levels. In addition, treatment effects maintained when we rapidly thinned mult FCT to the terminal schedule. Throughout chain-FCT schedule thinning, we assessed client preference for each schedule-thinning arrangement (mult FCT or chain FCT) using a concurrent-chains procedure. Client preference reliably shifted from chain FCT to mult FCT as the response requirement increased and the proportion of session spent in reinforcement began to favor mult FCT. We discuss the clinical implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Briggs
- 1 University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jessica S Akers
- 1 University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- 2 Baylor University School of Education, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Brian D Greer
- 1 University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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105
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Phillips LA, Briggs AM, Fisher WW, Greer BD. Assessing and Treating Elopement in a School Setting. TEACHING EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN 2018; 50:333-342. [PMID: 30147156 PMCID: PMC6108583 DOI: 10.1177/0040059918770663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Elopement, or running away from supervised areas, is a dangerous and problematic behavior that compromises the safety of people with disabilities at disproportionately high rates. As such, it is paramount that teachers know how to respond to elopement during school to ensure student safety. Although general safety strategies may be helpful in preventing elopement, they fail to address the factors that trigger elopement. Recent advances in the assessment and treatment of elopement offer strategies that teachers can use to help treat elopement by first understanding why it occurs. We describe the common reasons elopement may occur, outline a systematic approach for assessment and treatment of elopement that teachers can use in school settings, and provide a strategy for maintaining treatment effects over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam M Briggs
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
| | - Wayne W Fisher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
| | - Brian D Greer
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
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106
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Saini V, Sullivan WE, Baxter EL, DeRosa NM, Roane HS. Renewal during functional communication training. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 51:603-619. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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107
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Saini V, Fisher WW, Retzlaff BJ. Predictive validity and efficiency of ongoing visual-inspection criteria for interpreting functional analyses. J Appl Behav Anal 2018. [PMID: 29527741 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Prior research has evaluated the reliability and validity of structured criteria for visually inspecting functional-analysis (FA) results on a post-hoc basis, after completion of the FA (i.e., post-hoc visual inspection [PHVI]; e.g., Hagopian et al., 1997). However, most behavior analysts inspect FAs using ongoing visual inspection (OVI) as the FA is implemented, and the validity of applying structured criteria during OVI remains unknown. In this investigation, we evaluated the predictive validity and efficiency of applying structured criteria on an ongoing basis by comparing the interim interpretations produced through OVI with (a) the final interpretations produced by PHVI, (b) the authors' post-hoc interpretations (PHAI) reported in the research studies, and (c) the consensus interpretations of these two post-hoc analyses. Ongoing visual inspection predicted the results of PHVI and the consensus interpretations with a very high degree of accuracy, and PHAI with a reasonably high degree of accuracy. Furthermore, the PHVI and PHAI results involved 32 FA sessions, on average, whereas the OVI required only 19 FA sessions to accurately identify the function(s) of destructive behavior (i.e., a 41% increase in efficiency). We discuss these findings relative to other methods designed to increase the accuracy and efficiency of FAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdeep Saini
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
| | - Wayne W Fisher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
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108
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Fisher WW, Greer BD, Mitteer DR, Fuhrman AM, Romani PW, Zangrillo AN. Further evaluation of differential exposure to establishing operations during functional communication training. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 51:360-373. [PMID: 29512153 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent research findings (DeRosa, Fisher, & Steege, ) suggest that minimizing exposure to the establishing operation (EO) for destructive behavior when differential reinforcement interventions like functional communication training (FCT) are introduced may produce more immediate reductions in destructive behavior and prevent or mitigate extinction bursts. We directly tested this hypothesis by introducing FCT with extinction in two conditions, one with limited exposure to the EO (limited EO) and one with more extended exposure to the EO (extended EO) using a combined reversal and multielement design. Results showed that the limited-EO condition rapidly reduced destructive behavior to low levels during every application, whereas the extended-EO condition produced an extinction burst in five of six applications. We discuss these findings in relation to the effects of EO exposure on the beneficial and untoward effects of differential reinforcement interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne W Fisher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
| | - Brian D Greer
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
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109
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Newcomb ET, Hagopian LP. Treatment of severe problem behaviour in children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. Int Rev Psychiatry 2018; 30:96-109. [PMID: 29537889 PMCID: PMC8793042 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2018.1435513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID) present with problem behaviour at rates disproportionately higher than their typically-developing peers. Problem behaviour, such as self-injury, aggression, pica, disruption, and elopement result in a diminished quality-of-life for the individual and family. Applied behaviour analysis has a well-established research base, detailing a number of assessment and treatment methods designed to address behaviour problems in children with ASD and ID. Although the variables that lead to the emergence of problem behaviour are not precisely known, those that are currently responsible for the maintenance of these problems can be identified via functional behaviour assessment, which is designed to identify events that occasion problem behaviour, consequences that maintain it, as well as other environmental factors that exert influence on the behaviour. Corresponding function-based treatment is implemented when environmental determinants are identified, with the aim of decreasing or eliminating problem behaviour, as well as teaching the individual to engage in more appropriate, alternative behaviour. In some cases, when problem behaviour is under the control of both environmental and biological variables, including psychiatric conditions, combining behavioural and pharmacological interventions is viewed as optimal, although there is limited empirical support for integrating these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis P. Hagopian
- Department of Behavioral Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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110
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Jessel J, Ingvarsson ET, Metras R, Kirk H, Whipple R. Achieving socially significant reductions in problem behavior following the interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis: A summary of 25 outpatient applications. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 51:130-157. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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111
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Torres-Viso M, Strohmeier CW, Zarcone JR. Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior related to mands for rearrangement. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 51:158-165. [PMID: 29318608 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Torres-Viso
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Craig W. Strohmeier
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Jennifer R. Zarcone
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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112
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Fisher WW, Greer BD, Craig AR, Retzlaff BJ, Fuhrman AM, Lichtblau KR, Saini V. On the predictive validity of behavioral momentum theory for mitigating resurgence of problem behavior. J Exp Anal Behav 2018; 109:281-290. [PMID: 29380437 PMCID: PMC5991479 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We summarize the results of four recent translational studies from our lab that used the predictions of behavioral momentum theory to inform the development of more durable treatments for destructive behavior. Treatments informed by behavioral momentum theory generally showed better suppression of target responding during an extinction challenge than did a comparison treatment. We reanalyze data from each of the four studies to show that this general finding is apparent both at the aggregate (i.e., proportion of baseline response rates averaged across participants) and within participant (i.e., percentage reduction in proportion of baseline response rates, difference in raw response rates during the extinction challenge). Interestingly, participants who experienced multiple cycles of the extinction challenge generally showed less differentiation in target responding between the treatment informed by behavioral momentum theory and the comparison treatment. Overall results suggest that applications of behavioral momentum theory can substantially improve the durability of common treatments for destructive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne W Fisher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
| | - Brian D Greer
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
| | - Andrew R Craig
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
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113
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DeSouza AA, Akers JS, Fisher WW. Empirical Application of Skinner's Verbal Behavior to Interventions for Children with Autism: A Review. Anal Verbal Behav 2017; 33:229-259. [PMID: 30854299 PMCID: PMC6381329 DOI: 10.1007/s40616-017-0093-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sundberg and Michael (2011) reviewed the contributions of Skinner's (1957) Verbal Behavior to the treatment of language delays in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and discussed several aspects of interventions, including mand training, intraverbal repertoire development, and the importance of using Skinner's taxonomy of verbal behavior in the clinical context. In this article, we provide an update of Sundberg and Michael's review and expand on some discussion topics. We conducted a systematic review of studies that focused on Skinner's verbal operants in interventions for children with ASD that were published from 2001 to 2017 and discussed the findings in terms of journal source, frequency, and type of verbal operant studied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica S. Akers
- Department of Educational Psychology, Baylor University, Waco, TX USA
| | - Wayne W. Fisher
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985450 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198 USA
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114
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Craig AR, Browning KO, Shahan TA. Stimuli previously associated with reinforcement mitigate resurgence. J Exp Anal Behav 2017; 108:139-150. [PMID: 28850670 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Resurgence refers to the recurrence of an extinguished target behavior following subsequent suspension of alternative reinforcement. Delivery of reinforcers during extinction of alternative behavior has been shown to mitigate resurgence. The present experiment aimed to determine whether delivering stimuli associated with reinforcers during resurgence testing similarly mitigates resurgence. Three groups of rats pressed target levers for food according to variable-interval 15-s schedules during Phase 1. In Phase 2, lever pressing was extinguished, and an alternative nose-poke response produced alternative reinforcement according to a variable-interval 15-s schedule. Food reinforcement was always associated with illumination of the food aperture and an audible click from the pellet dispenser during Phases 1 and 2. Phase 3 treatments differed between groups. For one group, nose poking continued to produce food and food-correlated stimuli. Both of these consequences were suspended for a second group. Finally, nose poking produced food-correlated stimuli but not food for a third group. Target-lever pressing resurged in the group that received no consequences and in the group that received only food-correlated stimuli for nose poking. Resurgence, however, was smaller for the group that received food-correlated stimuli than for the group that received no consequences for nose poking. Target-lever pressing did not increase between phases in the group that continued to receive food and associated stimuli. Thus, delivery of stimuli associated with food reinforcement after suspension of food reduced but did not eliminate resurgence of extinguished lever pressing. These findings contribute to potential methodologies for preventing relapse of extinguished problem behavior in clinical settings.
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115
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Podlesnik CA, Kelley ME, Jimenez-Gomez C, Bouton ME. Renewed behavior produced by context change and its implications for treatment maintenance: A review. J Appl Behav Anal 2017; 50:675-697. [PMID: 28608584 PMCID: PMC5538309 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral treatment gains established in one setting do not always maintain in other settings. The present review examines the relevance of basic and translational research to understanding failures to maintain treatment gains across settings. Specifically, studies of the renewal effect examine how transitioning away from a treatment setting could evoke a return of undesirable behavior, rather than newly trained appropriate behavior. Studies of renewal typically arrange three phases, with a response trained and reinforced under a particular set of contextual stimuli in the first phase. Next, that response is extinguished, often under a different set of contextual stimuli. Finally, that response returns despite extinction remaining in effect upon returning to the original training context or transitioning to a novel context. Thus, removing the extinction context is sufficient to produce a recurrence of the response. The findings suggest treatment effects can become specific to the context in which the treatment was delivered. This literature offers promising methods for systematically assessing the factors contributing to treatment maintenance and improving generalization of treatment gains across contexts. Therefore, the present review suggests basic and translational research on renewal provides an empirical literature to bring greater conceptual systematization to understanding generalization and maintenance of behavioral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Podlesnik
- Florida Institute of Technology and The Scott Center for Autism Treatment, The University of Auckland
| | - Michael E Kelley
- The Scott Center for Autism Treatment and Florida Institute of Technology
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116
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarises the recent trends in research in the field of self-injurious behaviour in people with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. RECENT FINDINGS New data on incidence, persistence and severity add to studies of prevalence to indicate the large scale of the clinical need. A number of person characteristics have been repeatedly identified in prevalence and cohort studies that: can be considered as risk markers (e.g. stereotyped behaviour, autism spectrum disorder) and indicate possible causal mechanisms (e.g. sleep disorder, anxiety). Studies have started to integrate traditional operant learning paradigms with known person characteristics and reviews and meta-analyses of applied behaviour analytic procedures can now inform practice. SUMMARY Despite these positive developments interventions and appropriate support falls far short of the required need. Expansions in applied research are warranted to develop and evaluate innovative service delivery models that can translate knowledge of risk markers and operant learning paradigms into widespread, low cost routine clinical practice. Alongside this, further pure research is needed to elucidate the direction of causality of implicated risk factors, in order to understand and intervene more effectively in self-injury.
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117
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Phillips CL, Iannaccone JA, Rooker GW, Hagopian LP. Noncontingent reinforcement for the treatment of severe problem behavior: An analysis of 27 consecutive applications. J Appl Behav Anal 2017; 50:357-376. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Griffin W. Rooker
- The Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Louis P. Hagopian
- The Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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118
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Greer BD, Fisher WW. Treatment of Socially Reinforced Problem Behavior. HANDBOOK OF TREATMENTS FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-61738-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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119
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Fuhrman AM, Fisher WW, Greer BD. A preliminary investigation on improving functional communication training by mitigating resurgence of destructive behavior. J Appl Behav Anal 2016; 49:884-899. [PMID: 27449566 PMCID: PMC5130621 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite the effectiveness and widespread use of functional communication training (FCT), resurgence of destructive behavior can occur if the functional communication response (FCR) contacts a challenge, such as lapses in treatment integrity. We evaluated a method to mitigate resurgence by conducting FCT using a multiple schedule of reinforcement prior to extinction. After functional analyses of 2 boys' destructive behavior and treatment with FCT (Study 1), we compared levels of resurgence during an extinction challenge either after a typical FCT sequence or after exposure to schedule thinning in the context of a multiple-schedule arrangement (Study 2). Results for both participants suggested that schedule thinning using discriminative stimuli in a multiple schedule mitigated the resurgence of destructive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wayne W Fisher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
| | - Brian D Greer
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
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120
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Nevin JA, Mace FC, DeLeon IG, Shahan TA, Shamlian KD, Lit K, Sheehan T, Frank-Crawford MA, Trauschke SL, Sweeney MM, Tarver DR, Craig AR. Effects of signaled and unsignaled alternative reinforcement on persistence and relapse in children and pigeons. J Exp Anal Behav 2016; 106:34-57. [PMID: 27282331 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Three experiments explored the impact of different reinforcer rates for alternative behavior (DRA) on the suppression and post-DRA relapse of target behavior, and the persistence of alternative behavior. All experiments arranged baseline, intervention with extinction of target behavior concurrently with DRA, and post-treatment tests of resurgence or reinstatement, in two- or three-component multiple schedules. Experiment 1, with pigeons, arranged high or low baseline reinforcer rates; both rich and lean DRA schedules reduced target behavior to low levels. When DRA was discontinued, the magnitude of relapse depended on both baseline reinforcer rate and the rate of DRA. Experiment 2, with children exhibiting problem behaviors, arranged an intermediate baseline reinforcer rate and rich or lean signaled DRA. During treatment, both rich and lean DRA rapidly reduced problem behavior to low levels, but post-treatment relapse was generally greater in the DRA-rich than the DRA-lean component. Experiment 3, with pigeons, repeated the low-baseline condition of Experiment 1 with signaled DRA as in Experiment 2. Target behavior decreased to intermediate levels in both DRA-rich and DRA-lean components. Relapse, when it occurred, was directly related to DRA reinforcer rate as in Experiment 2. The post-treatment persistence of alternative behavior was greater in the DRA-rich component in Experiment 1, whereas it was the same or greater in the signaled-DRA-lean component in Experiments 2 and 3. Thus, infrequent signaled DRA may be optimal for effective clinical treatment.
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121
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Shamlian KD, Fisher WW, Steege MW, Cavanaugh BM, Samour K, Querim AC. Evaluation of multiple schedules with naturally occurring and therapist-arranged discriminative stimuli following functional communication training. J Appl Behav Anal 2016; 49:228-50. [PMID: 26790565 PMCID: PMC4892991 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that (a) functional communication training (FCT) is effective for reducing problem behavior, and (b) multiple schedules can facilitate reinforcer schedule thinning during FCT. Most studies tha have used multiple schedules with FCT have included therapist-arranged stimuli (e.g., colored cards) as the discriminative stimuli (S(D) s), but recently, researchers have evaluated similar multiple-schedule training procedures with naturally occurring S(D) s (e.g., overt therapist behavior). The purposes of the current study were to compare the effects of arranged and naturally occurring S(D) s directly during (a) acquisition of discriminated functional communication responses (FCRs) and (b) generalization of discriminated FCRs when we introduced the multiple schedules in novel contexts in which the naturally occurring stimuli were either relatively easy or difficult to discriminate. Results showed that (a) 2 of 3 participants acquired discriminated responding of the FCR more rapidly with arranged than with naturally occurring stimuli, (b) 2 of 3 participants showed resurgence of problem behavior , and (c) 2 of 3 participants showed greater generalization of discriminated responding to novel contexts with arranged stimuli than with naturally occurring stimuli. We discuss these results relative to the conditions under which naturally occurring and arranged S(D) s may promote rapid and generalized treatment gains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wayne W Fisher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
| | | | | | | | - Angie C Querim
- University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute
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