A component analysis of "stereotypy as reinforcement" for alternative behavior

Results from several studies have suggested chat: the opportunity to engage in stereotypic behavior may function as reinforcement for alternative, mor e socially desirable behaviors. However, the procedural components of this intervention include several distinct operations whose effects have not bee n analyzed separately. While measuring the occurrence of stereotypy and an alternative behavior (manipulation of leisure materials), we exposed 3 part icipants to three or four components of a "stereotypy as reinforcement" con tingency: (a) continuous access to materials, (b) prompts to manipulate mat erials, (c) restricted access to stereotypy (i.e., response blocking), and (d) access to stereotypy contingent on manipulating the materials. Continuo us access to materials and prompting (a and b) produced negligible results. Restriction of stereotypy (c) produced a large increase in the alternative behavior of 2 participants, suggesting that response restriction per se ma y occasion alternative behavior. However, contingent access to stereotypy ( d) was necessary to increase the 3rd participant's object manipulation; thi s finding provided some support for the use of stereotypy as reinforcement for alternative behavior. Finally, when transfer of the effects of interven tion was assessed during periods in which active intervention components we re withdrawn, the alternative behavior was maintained for 1 participant.