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Helping a man with multiple disabilities increase object-contact responses and reduce hand stereotypy via a
Giulio E Lancioni1, Nirbhay N Singh, Mark F O'Reilly
1Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability
|November 29, 2008
Summary
This study used microswitches and preferred stimuli to increase object-contact responses and decrease hand stereotypy in an individual with multiple disabilities. The positive effects were maintained at a 3-month follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Disability studies
- Applied behavior analysis
Background:
- Individuals with profound and multiple disabilities often exhibit aberrant behaviors, such as stereotypy, hindering learning and social integration.
- Hand stereotypy (e.g., hand/wrist rotation) can be a significant barrier for individuals with multiple disabilities.
- This study aimed to address these challenges by targeting object-contact responses and reducing hand stereotypy.
Observation:
- A single-subject A-B-A-B design with a 3-month post-intervention follow-up was utilized.
- Microswitches monitored object-contact responses and hand stereotypy.
- Intervention involved combining microswitches with preferred stimuli contingent upon object-contact responses without hand stereotypy.
Findings:
- The intervention successfully increased object-contact responses.
- A significant reduction in the time spent engaging in hand stereotypy was observed.
- These improvements were sustained at the 3-month post-intervention check.
Implications:
- This intervention demonstrates potential for increasing constructive behaviors in individuals with multiple disabilities.
- The findings suggest a viable method for reducing stereotyped behaviors.
- Further replication is needed to confirm the generalizability and utility of this approach.
