Efficiency and preference for alternative activities during schedule thinning with functional communication training

Christina A. Simmons, Giovanna L. Salvatore, Amanda N. Zangrillo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Functional communication training is an effective treatment for decreasing socially reinforced destructive behavior (Carr & Durand, 1985). Clinicians frequently use multiple schedules to thin the reinforcement schedule (Hanley et al., 2001). Individuals are often taught to wait for functional reinforcers without alternative programmed stimuli. However, concurrently available items and activities are often accessible in the natural environment. In this study, we taught 4 participants a functional communication response to access functional reinforcers. We implemented a multiple schedule during schedule thinning, comparing a control condition (nothing available during SΔ intervals) to separate conditions with items/activities (moderately preferred tangible items, attention, demands) noncontingently available during SΔ intervals. After reaching the terminal schedule in one condition, therapists assessed participant preference across SΔ conditions. For all participants, the terminal schedule was reached with alternative items and activities, and participant preference corresponded with the most efficient schedule thinning condition. Therapists also indicated preference for alternative items/activities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)101-120
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of applied behavior analysis
Volume55
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Philosophy
  • Applied Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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