COMPONENT ANALYSIS AND STIMULUS-CONTROL ASSESSMENT OF A BEHAVIOR DECELERATION TREATMENT PACKAGE

A treatment package that included two setting condition manipulations and visual occlusion was implemented to gain control over the high-int ensity screaming and whining of a 16-year-old female with developmenta l disabilities. The study included an analysis of the individual and c ombined components of the treatment package and a stimulus control ana lysis of three salient features of the visual occlusion apparatus (i.e ., opaque screen, secured helmet, and cranial pressure). Results showe d that the treatment package occasioned a deceleration in the two targ eted vocal behaviors and a reduction in the amount of rime the partici pant was required to wear the occlusion apparatus. An analysis of the apparatus suggested that the critical element needed to control inappr opriate vocalizations appeared to be cranial pressure, which was natur ally produced by the helmet. Consequently, the helmet was eliminated a nd cranial pressure was produced by a woman's headband. Follow-up data , collected 1, 2, and 3 months after termination of systematic interve ntion, revealed near-zero levels of screaming and whining behaviors, A 9-month follow-up investigation involving the removal and subsequent reinstatement of the headband procedure supported the use of the headb and for the maintenance of behavioral gains.