Discriminative Control of Vocal Stereotypy Using an Empirically Identified Punishment Procedure

Abstract

The purpose of Study 1 was to evaluate whether two reinforcement procedures could reduce vocal stereotypy (VS) as previous literature has stated. We examined the VS of three boys diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Results of functional analyses indicated that each participant’s VS was maintained by nonsocial consequences. Secondly, we examined noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) with a matched and unmatched stimulus. We then layered differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) onto of the implementation of NCR. Results indicated that both procedures were successful at the reduction of VS. Noncontingent reinforcement with a matched stimulus had the most success at the reduction of VS, but was deemed inappropriate outside of the research setting. Noncontingent reinforcement with an unmatched stimulus plus DRO were not as robust in the reduction of VS. Therefore, the purpose of study 2, was to evaluate whether an empirically identified punishment procedure could reduce VS and if those reductions could be maintained via inhibitory stimulus control. A punisher selection interview with their clinicians was then implemented to identify socially acceptable punishers. After an effective punishment procedure was identified, discrimination training was then conducted to bring the responses under stimulus control. Results showed that VS decreased to low levels in the presence of the inhibitory stimulus for all three participants. However, several modifications were required throughout the treatment evaluation and stimulus control was only established for one participant.