The Effects of a Procedure to Decrease Motor Stereotypy on Social Interactions in a Child With Autism Spectrum...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Repetitive and stereotypic motor movements are key diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Motor stereotypy can impede adaptive skill acquisition and social development, potentially leading to social stigmatization.
• Effective interventions are needed to manage motor stereotypy and improve social functioning in individuals with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a differential reinforcement procedure in controlling motor stereotypy rates.
• To assess the impact of a self-management program incorporating differential reinforcement on motor stereotypy.
• To examine the effects of the intervention on social interaction initiation and responsiveness.

Main Methods:

• A differential reinforcement procedure was implemented to establish stimulus control over motor stereotypy.
• A multistep self-management program was introduced in a subsequent phase.
• Data were collected across various settings to measure the rate of motor stereotypy and social interactions.

Main Results:

• The differential reinforcement procedure significantly decreased the rate of motor stereotypy across all settings.
• A substantial increase in the initiation of and response to social interactions was observed.
• While not completely eliminated, motor stereotypy showed a significant reduction in frequency and duration.

Conclusions:

• Differential reinforcement is an effective strategy for reducing motor stereotypy in individuals with ASD.
• The intervention demonstrated positive effects on social engagement, suggesting broader benefits beyond stereotypy reduction.
• Findings support the social validity and transferability of stimulus control established through this procedure.