Increasing Conversation Using Restricted Access and Chain Schedules of Reinforcement

The current study examined the effects of chain schedules of reinforcement and restricting access to reinforcement on increasing the number of words used in conversation for an adolescent with autism spectrum disorder. After access to a video game was restricted, the participant had to meet various chain-schedule requirements of responding to regain access. The results demonstrated that the combined procedures were successful in building multiword conversation between the young man, his mother, and/or a therapist. These results expand on existing literature regarding increasing verbal behavior using reinforcement techniques and the literature regarding increasing the use of trained social skills.