Reducing stereotypic behavior through discrimination training, differential reinforcement of other behavior, and self-monitoring

The effect of a treatment package designed to reduce stereotypic body rocki ng was examined in a child diagnosed with autism. After baseline, the parti cipant was taught to discriminate between inappropriate (e.g. sitting in a chair and rocking) and appropriate (e.g. sitting in a chair without rocking ) behavior. During intervention, both a therapist and the participant himse lf monitored the occurrence of rocking behavior. A non-resetting 5 min diff erential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) schedule was also introduced . A multiple baseline across behaviors (sitting and standing) design was us ed to evaluate the effects of the intervention package. The results indicat ed that the intervention was effective in eliminating body rocking. In addi tion, the DRO schedule was successfully increased to 20 min for sitting and 17 min for standing and the treatment was successfully introduced at the c hild's school. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.