Use of nonexclusionary timeout for the elimination of a stereotyped behavior

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a nonexclusionary timeout procedure in reducing a high-frequency stereotyped behavior in a 28-year-old profoundly mentally retarded and autistic male. The experimental design consisted of baseline (A), treatment (B), and 1- and 6-month follow-up studies. After 2 weeks of treatment, the target behavior was reduced to a virtually zero rate of occurrence and the low rate of response was maintained throughout follow-up. Findings suggest that nonexclusionary timeout may prove to be a cost-effective intervention for reducing or eliminating disruptive stereotyped behaviors. The need for further research is indicated.