Tripartite behavioral intervention to reduce stereotypic and disruptive behaviors in young multihandicapped children

A comprehensive, tripartite intervention to reduce maladaptive stereotypic and disruptive behaviors exhibited by three young multihandicapped children was carried out. First, preferred stimuli were systematically identified for each child by scoring approach responses to each of 18 stimulus items. Highly preferred stimuli were used as positive reinforcers in DRO behavior management programs. Second, behavioral interventions were applied and evaluated in multiple-baseline designs within a laboratory classroom setting. Momentary DRO plus immobilization time-out and momentary DRO combined with overcorrection were found to be effective in reducing disruptive and/or stereo-typic behaviors. Third, efficacy of treatments was demonstrated in the regular classroom environment using A-B-A-B experimental designs. In two cases, behavioral programs were gradually faded to facilitate application by classroom staff. Concurrent effects of treatment, trainer compliance, and cost effectiveness were monitored throughout the study. Gains were maintained across five-month follow-up period.