Olive Healy1, Sinéad Lydon1,2, Thérèse Brady3, Mandy Rispoli4, Jennifer Holloway2, Leslie Neely5, Ian Grey6. 1. a Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland. 2. b National University of Ireland Galway , Galway , Ireland. 3. c Brothers of Charity Services , Roscommon , Ireland. 4. d Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana , USA. 5. e The University of Texas , San Antonio , Texas , USA. 6. f Zayed University , Dubai , United Arab Emirates.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the efficacy of an inhibitory stimulus control procedure (ISCP) for the management of vocal stereotypy in three children with autism. METHOD: During discrimination training, implemented within a changing criterion design, participants were taught that there were no consequences for vocal stereotypy in the absence of an inhibitory stimulus but that differential reinforcement procedures were in effect in the presence of the stimulus. Functional control of the inhibitory stimulus was subsequently assessed within a reversal design. RESULTS: Inhibitory stimulus control was established during discrimination training, with participants inhibiting vocal stereotypy for 30 min periods in the presence of the inhibitory stimulus. Reductions in vocal stereotypy were maintained in the presence of the inhibitory stimulus and in the absence of further programmed consequences. DISCUSSION: This study extends current knowledge by demonstrating the efficacy of ISCPs paired with reinforcement only, and illustrating the functional control of the inhibitory stimulus.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the efficacy of an inhibitory stimulus control procedure (ISCP) for the management of vocal stereotypy in three children with autism. METHOD: During discrimination training, implemented within a changing criterion design, participants were taught that there were no consequences for vocal stereotypy in the absence of an inhibitory stimulus but that differential reinforcement procedures were in effect in the presence of the stimulus. Functional control of the inhibitory stimulus was subsequently assessed within a reversal design. RESULTS: Inhibitory stimulus control was established during discrimination training, with participants inhibiting vocal stereotypy for 30 min periods in the presence of the inhibitory stimulus. Reductions in vocal stereotypy were maintained in the presence of the inhibitory stimulus and in the absence of further programmed consequences. DISCUSSION: This study extends current knowledge by demonstrating the efficacy of ISCPs paired with reinforcement only, and illustrating the functional control of the inhibitory stimulus.
Entities:
Keywords:
Autism; DRO; differential reinforcement of other behaviour; response inhibition; stimulus control; vocal stereotypy