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Reduction of automatically maintained self-injurious behavior utilizing noncontingent matched stimuli
Tonya N Davis1, Sharon Dacus, Erica Strickland
1Department of Educational Psychology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798-3701, USA. Tonya_Davis@baylor.edu
Developmental Neurorehabilitation
|March 13, 2013
Summary
Noncontingent matched stimulation (NMS) significantly reduced self-injurious behavior (SIB) in an autistic boy. This suggests that providing similar, safe stimulation can decrease harmful behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a significant challenge for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Identifying effective interventions for SIB is crucial for improving quality of life.
- Noncontingent stimulation has been explored as a potential intervention strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effects of noncontingent matched stimulation (NMS) on self-injurious behavior (SIB).
- To evaluate NMS as an intervention for an eight-year-old boy with autism.
Main Methods:
- A functional analysis identified reinforcers for SIB.
- A preference assessment selected a safe object for matched stimulation.
- A multielement design compared NMS to unmatched stimulation and baseline.
Main Results:
- Noncontingent matched stimulation (NMS) led to a marked decrease in self-injurious behavior (SIB).
- SIB was significantly lower during the NMS condition compared to baseline and unmatched stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Noncontingent matched stimulation (NMS) is a promising intervention for reducing SIB in individuals with autism.
- Unconventional stimuli may effectively provide sensory input similar to that produced by SIB, thereby reducing the behavior.
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