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Published on: January 23, 2017
Behavioral engineering: two apparatuses for toilet training retarded children
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|October 1, 1971
Summary
This study introduces innovative toilet training apparatuses for children with intellectual disabilities. The developed devices effectively signal voiding, enabling immediate intervention and improving daytime continence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Behavioral Health
- Developmental Disabilities Research
- Assistive Technology in Special Education
Background:
- Daytime incontinence presents significant challenges for children with intellectual disabilities.
- Effective toilet training requires timely feedback for both the child and caregiver.
- Existing methods may lack the immediacy needed for profound developmental delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate novel apparatuses to facilitate toilet training for children with intellectual disabilities.
- To assess the efficacy of a training program utilizing these specialized devices.
- To provide immediate signals for voiding events to enable prompt behavioral responses.
Main Methods:
- Development of two distinct apparatuses: a toilet-chair alarm and a portable pants-alarm.
- Implementation of a toilet training program incorporating these devices.
- Utilizing a combination of reprimands for accidents and positive reinforcement for successful toileting.
- Testing the system with four profoundly intellectually disabled children.
Main Results:
- The developed apparatuses demonstrated practical reliability in a real-world training setting.
- The toilet training program, aided by the apparatuses, proved effective in reducing daytime incontinence.
- Consistent signaling allowed for immediate and appropriate trainer intervention.
Conclusions:
- The toilet-chair and pants-alarm apparatuses are reliable tools for toilet training children with intellectual disabilities.
- This technology-assisted approach significantly enhances the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for incontinence.
- Immediate feedback mechanisms are crucial for successful toilet training in this population.
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