Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: September 20, 2024
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
Objective:
Analyze the effects of noncontingent matched stimulation (NMS) on the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of an eight-year-old boy with autism.
Methods:
First, a functional analysis was conducted to identify the reinforcers maintaining SIB. Next, an informal preference assessment was conducted to identify a potential object to provide safe matched stimulation. A multielement design was implemented to evaluate the effects of two conditions: (a) noncontingent access to attention and unmatched stimulation (DVD player) and (b) intervention consisting of access to NMS.
Results:
Results suggested that NMS resulted in a marked decrease of SIB relative to baseline conditions with unmatched stimulation.
Conclusions:
Findings suggest that unconventional stimuli may provide stimulation similar to that produced by SIB.
Related Concept Videos
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...

