Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis · 1989 · 152 citations · 17 references
EducationEducational AssessmentPsychologyAutism Spectrum DisordersChild DevelopmentDevelopmental PsychologyBehavior TherapyChild Behavior InterventionChild Behavior ManagementDevelopmental AssessmentOperant ConditioningPositive Reinforcement SystemsAttentionAutism Spectrum Disorder InterventionEarly Autism InterventionMultiple Baseline DesignReinforcer EfficacyResponse-reinforcer Relations
There is a need for practical methods of reinforcer assessment that systematically track ongoing changes in clients' preferences. In this study, the effects of a time-efficient reinforcer assessment package were evaluated in a multiple baseline across 3 preschoolers with autism, comparing individualized item selections by experienced teachers with children's presession preferences for items of various sensory qualities. Systematic assessment of children's reinforcers for correct responding virtually eliminated nontargeted maladaptive behaviors, as well as yielding expected improvements in accuracy. The powerful side-effects of potent reinforcers underline the importance of increased attention to reinforcer assessment in research and practice.
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