Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 5, 2025

A Treatment Package without Escape Extinction to Address Food Selectivity
Published on: August 21, 2015
Using a Token Economy to Treat Escape-Maintained Problem Behavior Without Extinction
Natalie Andzik1, Elle Smith2, Nancy Neef2
1Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA.
Abstract:
The use of extinction procedures when treating escape-maintained problem behavior can be undesirable and impractical for practitioners to use. To mitigate the risks associated with escape extinction, we explored the effectiveness of a delayed reinforcement token system without the use of extinction in school and home settings to treat escape-maintained problem behavior of students with autism spectrum disorder. In lieu of escape extinction (e.g., blocking), the researchers implemented a 30 s break contingent on problem behaviors and a token (to be exchanged at the end of the session) contingent on compliance. The results of a multiple probe design indicated substantial increases in compliance and reductions in problem behavior for all four participants. These findings suggest that extinction is not necessary to eliminate escape-maintained problem behavior in children with autism.
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