Ecobehavioural analysis of stereotypic and adaptive behaviours: activities as setting events.

The effects of activities and task demands on the rate of stereotypic and adaptive behaviour were analysed within the conceptual framework of setting events. Data on 12 mentally retarded subjects were collected in real time using portable microcomputers during six activities: leisure, pre-vocational training, gym, academic instruction, home living, and lunch. Results showed that stereotypic and adaptive responses occurred in all settings, with the two behaviours occurring simultaneously across both subjects and activities some of the time. Micro-level analysis showed that teacher covert task demand provided the setting event for most of the stereotypic and adaptive responding during each activity. The importance of ecobehavioural analysis in understanding the nature of stereotypy and adaptive behaviour, and the contribution of such an analysis to appropriate and effective intervention were highlighted.