Fixed-time schedules attenuate extinction-induced phenomena in the treatment of severe aberrant behavior

We compared the effects of extinction (EXT) and fixed-time (FT) schedules a s treatment for severe problem behavior displayed by 3 individuals with dev elopmental disabilities. First, functional analyses identified the reinforc ers maintaining aberrant behavior for all 3 individuals. Next, EXT and FT s chedules were compared using a multielement design. During EXT, the reinfor cer maintaining problem behavior was withheld. During FT, the reinforcers w ere presented response independently at preset intervals. Results showed th at FT schedules were generally more effective than EXT schedules in reducin g aberrant behavior. FT schedules may be used in situations when extinction -induced phenomena are problematic.