Analysis of a reinforcement/time-out treatment package to control severe aggressive and destructive behaviors in a...

The display of acting-out behaviors in the form of aggression and property destruction represent serious management problems displayed by many developmentally disabled persons. The present study evaluated the application of reinforcement and isolation time-out procedures to treat severe aggressive/destructive behavior of a 15-year-old multi-impaired rubella child. In addition to documenting intervention effects, this study provided a component analysis of the reinforcement and time-out procedures, evaluated maintenance of treatment gains, and obtained measures of staff acceptability. Using a multiple baseline design across two target behaviors and two treatment settings, the reinforcement procedures were applied first in isolation and then in combination with time-out. Results indicated that with reinforcement, target responses persisted at high rates but were rapidly eliminated when time-out was introduced and remained absent at a 4-month follow-up. However, highly specific treatment effects were observed, with no generalization occurring across responses or settings. The majority of staff judged the program to be extremely useful in working with the child. Issues relevant to programming reinforcement and time-out procedures with seriously disruptive clients are discussed.