The study evaluated the indirect effects on stereotypic behavior frequency of several fixed-interval reinforcement schedules on behaviors of three profoundly retarded adults. Stereotypic behavior increased in direct relation to the interval length suggesting such behaviors may be partially controlled by reinforcement frequency for adaptive…

This study compared selection of a preferred reinforcing stimulus just prior to a training session by either the trainer or subject with profound developmental disabilities. Results obtained with four adult subjects indicated little or no difference in reinforcement effects when reinforcing stimuli were selected by subjects rather than trainers.…

This paper describes a project of Communidad Los Horcones (Mexico), dealing with alternatives to contrived or artificial reinforcement. The paper proposes the use of natural reinforcement, which can be individualized and received without the mediation of another person and which contributes to making the natural consequences of behavior…

This commentary on EC 603 646, a paper describing a natural reinforcement project of Communidad Los Horcones (Mexico), argues that natural reinforcement is best when the learning objective produces a natural reinforcer and when the natural reinforcer is more powerful than any competing punishers inherent in the task or reinforcers for competing…

Questions to ask when a behavior modification program is not working address the classroom environment, time factors, importance of emphasizing the positive, appropriate reinforcers, time lag before receiving reinforcement, criteria for reinforcement, reinforcer satiation, schedules of reinforcement, shaping to reduce inappropriate behaviors, and…

This study examined effect of initial differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) intervals on disruptive behavior of nine students with moderate disabilities. Results indicate initial DRO value equal to the mean number of intervals between responses in baseline was much more effective than a value twice that size. (Author/PB)

A study compared the effects of two treatments, noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) and sensory extinction, on the self-injurious behavior (SIB) exhibited by three adults with developmental disabilities. Results indicated that both procedures were effective in reducing SIB, although NCR was associated with either more rapid or greater overall…

This study applied functional behavioral analysis to the destructive behaviors of two young boys with multiple disabilities including behavior disorders. Results suggested that the subjects' destructive behaviors were sensitive to both escape and attention as reinforcers. Results support the importance of establishing operations in determining the…

Two studies involving five students (ages 9-17) with autism found that stereotypy was multiply determined or occurred across all assessment conditions (attention, demand, no-attention, and recreation conditions) and that the presumed association between response topography and behavioral function may be less important than previously realized.…

Twenty academic and curriculum strategies are presented to proactively address the social and academic strengths of students with attention problems in general education classrooms, including: using teacher collaboration, using a more global learning style, incorporating peer involvement, modifying seating arrangements, incorporating picture…

The effects of combining positive behavior supports and person-centered planning on the problem behavior and general education participation of three students (ages 6-8) were examined. Two of the students increased or maintained high levels of general education participation and showed decreases in problem behavior. (Contains references.)…

School-wide positive behavioral support (PBS) emphasizes the importance of using proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors. Positive behavior support is increasingly being used to create positive school environments. While numerous public schools have successfully adopted a PBS model, minimal…

There is limited empirical research regarding effective treatment for public masturbation. In the current study, the relative and combined effects of reinforcement of an incompatible habilitative replacement behavior and response blocking with guided compliance on masturbation and on-task behavior were evaluated for a seven year-old…

The Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD), a multistage screening system designed to identify elementary school--age children at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders, was evaluated for use with middle and junior high school students. During SSBD Stage 1, teachers identified 123 students in grades 6 through 9 with…

Positive behavior support (PBS) represents an empirically driven concern with quality of life (QOL), support through systems change, and linkage to multiple behavioral, social, and biomedical sciences. The major impediments to QOL are problem behavior, skill deficits, and dysfunctional systems. A model for addressing dysfunctional systems is…