An evaluation of simultaneous presentation and differential reinforcement with response cost to reduce packing

We evaluated the effects of multiple treatment procedures, including simultaneous presentation of preferred foods, on the packing behavior of a 9-year-old girl with autism. A reversal design was used to assess the effects of differential reinforcement with response cost alone and with simultaneous presentation. In addition, simultaneous presentation was assessed independent of differential reinforcement with response cost. Results indicated that simultaneous presentation reduced packing and that differential reinforcement with response cost was not necessary to maintain these reductions. Results are discussed in terms of the use of simultaneous presentation for packing as an alternative to consequence manipulations.