Suppression of self-stimulation: three alternative strategies

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Self-stimulatory behaviors are common in individuals with autistic-like behavior.
• Effective intervention strategies are crucial for managing these behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of three behavioral interventions for self-stimulatory behavior.
• To assess the effectiveness of time-out, differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), and overcorrection.

Main Methods:

• Four boys with autistic-like behavior participated in the study.
• Interventions included time-out, DRO, and overcorrection applied to self-stimulatory behavior.
• A multiple baseline design was used for one subject to assess generalization.

Main Results:

• Overcorrection rapidly reduced self-stimulatory behavior in all four boys.
• Time-out showed a decrement in responding for three boys.
• DRO yielded mixed results, with one boy showing increased responding.
• No significant generalization of suppression was observed across settings.
• A correlation was found between frequency and duration of self-stimulation.
• Transient negative side effects occurred with overcorrection and time-out.

Conclusions:

• Overcorrection appears to be a highly effective treatment for self-stimulatory behavior in this population.
• Time-out may be effective for some individuals.
• DRO's effectiveness was limited in this study.
• Further research is needed to explore generalization and potential positive side effects, such as facilitation of appropriate play.