Two boys with multiple disabilities increasing adaptive responding and curbing dystonic/spastic behavior via a...

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Behavioral Intervention
• Developmental Disabilities

Background:

• Previous research demonstrated microswitch clusters and contingent stimulation can improve adaptive responding and decrease dystonic/spastic behavior in children with multiple disabilities.
• Replication of these findings is crucial for validating the intervention's efficacy across different individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate a previous study on microswitch clusters and contingent stimulation.
• To assess the effectiveness of this intervention in increasing adaptive responses and reducing specific dystonic/spastic behaviors in two boys with multiple disabilities.

Main Methods:

• Two boys with multiple disabilities participated in the study.
• Adaptive responses involved hand or back pushing; dystonic/spastic behaviors were body arching and leg stretching.
• Intervention involved contingent stimulation for adaptive responses, initially without behavioral constraints, then contingent only on responses free from dystonic/spastic behavior.

Main Results:

• Both participants significantly increased the frequency of their adaptive responses.
• The boys learned to perform adaptive responses without exhibiting dystonic/spastic behaviors.
• Improved performance was maintained at a 2-month follow-up check.

Conclusions:

• Microswitch clusters and contingent stimulation are effective in enhancing adaptive responding in children with multiple disabilities.
• This intervention successfully reduces co-occurring dystonic/spastic behaviors.
• The positive effects of the intervention are sustainable over time.