Reduction of automatically‐maintained self‐injury using contingent equipment removal

Abstract

Abstract This study reports the use of contingent removal of protective equipment to reduce the severe head‐directed self‐injurious behavior of an 8‐year‐old boy with autism. Treatment was initially implemented in a highly controlled environment, and was then generalized to the participant's classroom, residence, and following his discharge, to his home environment. The treatment effectively reduced self‐injurious behavior to near‐zero levels. Systematic fading of the protective equipment was started but not completed due to his previously‐planned discharge. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.