EMBEDDING CHOICE IN THE CONTEXT OF DAILY ROUTINES - AN EXPERIMENTAL CASE-STUDY

In this study, we evaluated the effect of individualized, embedded cho ice opportunities in daily routines on the task initiations and protes ts by one man with severe disabilities. An initial functional analysis conducted during Phase 1 revealed that low rates of participation and high rates of protests in household activities were related to prompt s that offered no control. Subsequently in Phase 2, we modified prompt s within three different routines to provide greater control through c hoice. Within the context of an A-B-A-B design, the effects of a ''tra ditional'' no-choice versus choice task analysis were evaluated in eac h routine across three staff. The results demonstrated that when routi nes included opportunities for choice, task initiations were high, whe reas protests, including severe aggression, were virtually eliminated. These results ave discussed in relation to their implications for par ticipant control, individualizing choice opportunities, embedding choi ce in daily routines, and the prevention of problem behaviors.