Case study: Reinforcement control of severe aggression exhibited by a child with autism in a family home
✍ Scribed by Timothy J. Paisey; Sheila Fox; Christopher Curran; Kristina Hooper; Robert Whitney
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1991
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 854 KB
- Volume
- 6
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 1072-0847
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
Abstract
This clinical case study describes in‐home treatment of severe aggression and tantrum behavior exhibited by an 11 ‐year‐old child with autism, using methods of differential reinforcement comparable to those of a case study by Luiselli (1990). No significant reductions in problem conduct occurred when a parent implemented differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) in conjunction with publicly posted ‘good behavior rules,’ physical management training, and redirection to relaxation. Control was established when the child was reinforced for compliance with task demands in conjunction with extinction, implemented directly by professional support staff working in the home. Despite demonstrable parental consistency, systematic training, and fading of supports, results were not maintained at follow‐up. The generality of differential reinforcement as a practical intervention for severe aggression in family homes is questioned.