This study assessed the effects and side effects of using stereotypic behavior as a consequence for correct responding with two autistic children (five and eight years old). Results supported previous research suggesting that stereotypic behavior has reinforcement value and can be used as a reinforcer. (Author/CL)

Results of a study involving six autistic children (3-10 years old) indicated that self-stimulation occurred significantly more often with unfamiliar than with familiar therapists. There was a significant and negative correlation between the occurrence of self-stimulation and correct responding. (Author/CL)

Two short (20-second and 60-second) overcorrection procedures were effective in suppressing stereotypic behaviors of a 7- and a 12-year-old autistic student. (CL)

A sensory extinction procedure (white noise programed through earphones) substantially reduced the stereotypic vocalization of two autistic children (9 years old) but had little practical effect on the clapping and object-dropping responses. (Author/CL)

Data on sleep behavior were gathered on 100 children (ages 2-11) with pervasive developmental disorders. Slightly more than half of parents reported a sleep problem in their child. All of the children exhibited longer sleep onset times and greater fragmentation of sleep than that reported for age-matched community norms. (Contains references.)…