Twenty profoundly retarded children (mean chronological age 14 years) were trained to play with ordinary toys, half by behavior modification and half by a control procedure. Operant training led to some increases in total toy contact but was not significantly more effective than the control technique in promoting independent constructive play.…

A treatment package consisting of differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), token fines, and prompted relaxation was used to reduce the agitated-disruptive behavior of a young adult with autism and mental retardation living in a community group home. DRO procedures were partially implemented by a peer with Down syndrome. Baseline rates…

Information on family context was used to individualized behavioral support plans designed to support family use of functional communication training (FCT) for three children (ages 3-5) with autism. Results indicate problem behavior decreased and functional communication increased when FCT was introduced into family routines selected for training.…