Reducing the self-stimulatory behavior of a profoundly retarded female through sensory awareness training

Sensory awareness training procedures were used to reduce the self-stimulatory behavior of a profoundly retarded female. Self-stimulatory behaviors were directly observed and recorded using a 15-second momentary time sample procedure for 10-minute recording periods. An alternating treatment design was used to compare the effects of treatment and nontreatment. Tactile, olfactory, and gustatory materials were used to stimulate the person's senses. Generalization was assessed across noncompliant behaviors. The results indicate that sensory awareness training reduced self-stimulatory behaviors, but that these behaviors were still being emitted at a high rate. Suggestions for further research are made, and the use of "traditional" sensory awareness training procedures is questioned.