The effects of a procedure based on differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO) on stereotypic responses and task performance were tested with three autistic students (14-21 years old). The procedure was unique because the time interval employed between potential opportunities for reinforcement was the natural length of one instructional…

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)

The study evaluated the usefulness of 48 hours of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) as a treatment for eight autistic children (between 5 and 11 years old). Ss were placed in a dimly lit room which contained only a mattress, told to ask for toilet facilities when needed, and then left alone except for when meals were brought in.…

The author reviews recent literature dealing with teaching autistic children acceptable behaviors. Using E. Ornitz and E. Ritvo's description of autism, teaching procedures to overcome weaknesses in perceptual difficulties, bizarre movement, and problems in relating are discussed. (CL)

The effectiveness of fenfluramine with hyperserotonergic autistic individuals (n=28 and ages 6-30) was evaluated. Evaluation of videotape recordings of individual behaviors suggested that fenfluramine failed to increase communicative behaviors or decrease stereotypic behaviors and inappropriate behaviors although a serotonergic effect was found in…

The effect of particular foods on levels of hyperactivity, uncontrolled laughter, and disruptive behaviors was studied in an 8-year-old autistic boy. (Author)

Discussed are procedures for the charting of behavior changes to provide feedback for child and teacher which are reported to have been used at one school for autistic and neurologically impaired children. (DB)

Three experiments were conducted with two participants with mental retardation that displayed property destruction and stereotypy. The experiments assessed the function of the responses, determined their relationship, and developed a treatment to reduce property destruction. Response blocking reduced property destruction (and attempts), prevented…

This case study of a toddler with autism whose parents had videotaped her development from birth showed that the child's behavior and development were essentially normal for the first year but that she then became withdrawn in only a few months. It is suggested that early communicative screening tests might have identified the child's earliest…

Two groups of seven autistic children (4-16 years old) wore auditory trainers for specified times. Videotapes were coded for three attentional states (normal, withdrawn, attacking), for verbalization and signing, and for appropriate and acceptable behaviors. Results demonstrated a decrease in time spent withdrawn and increases in signing and in…

The use of an observational assessment instrument designed for autistic children is described. The Behavior Rating Instrument for Autistic and other Atypical Children (BRIAAC) measures behavior in eight developmental areas: relationship to an adult, communication, drive for mastery, vocalization and expressive speech, sound and speech reception,…

This study evaluates impact of collaborative efforts of parents and school professionals in the treatment of autism in a five-year-old boy. Method of treatment was discrete trial training across settings (e.g., home and school) and change agents were the child's parents, siblings, special education teacher, resource teacher, and speech…

The study guide accompanies a series of 28 videotaped programs designed to provide teachers, teacher aides and parents with an understanding of children with autistic tendencies and of how behavior modification techniques might be used to train such children. Synopses of each program and each program segment and a few questions intended to…