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Using a Time Timer to increase appropriate waiting behavior in a child with developmental disabilities.

Ian Grey¹, Olive Healy, Geraldine Leader

¹Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.

Research in Developmental Disabilities

|October 18, 2008

Summary

This study effectively used a Time Timer and delayed reinforcement to improve waiting behavior in a child with developmental disabilities. The intervention successfully increased appropriate waiting durations in a school setting.

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Published on: January 23, 2017

Area of Science:

Applied Behavior Analysis
Developmental Disabilities Research
Pediatric Psychology

Background:

Children with developmental disabilities often exhibit problem behaviors, particularly when accessing tangible items or activities.
Appropriate waiting behavior is crucial for social interaction and daily functioning but can be challenging for some individuals.
Delayed reinforcement strategies are vital for teaching patience and self-regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the efficacy of a predictive stimulus (Time Timer) combined with delayed reinforcement.
To increase appropriate waiting behavior in a child diagnosed with developmental disabilities.
To reduce problem behavior maintained by access to tangible reinforcers.

Main Methods:

A changing criterion design was implemented across different settings to systematically increase reinforcement delay.
Baseline measures of waiting behavior were established.
Intervention phases included verbal cues, a cue card, and the Time Timer, gradually fading the visual support.

Main Results:

The combined use of the Time Timer and delayed reinforcement significantly increased appropriate waiting behavior.
The intervention proved effective in a school setting for the participating child.
Gradual increases in reinforcement delay were successfully achieved.

Conclusions:

The Time Timer serves as an effective predictive stimulus for increasing waiting behavior in children with developmental disabilities.
Delayed reinforcement, when paired with visual cues, is a viable strategy for managing problem behavior.
Further research should explore generalization, maintenance, and teaching functionally equivalent skills.