The Use of Overcorrection Procedures to Eliminate the Stereotyped Behaviors of Retarded Individuals

Abstract

Overcorrection procedures were used in an effort to suppress stereotyped movements by two severely retarded subjects. Inhibition of stereotypic responding was found to be a direct function of trainer-subject proximity. The closer the trainer moved toward the subject, the less stereotypic responding. Suppression of body-rocking in one subject was associated with increased collateral stereotypic behaviors. Furthermore, treatment procedures for head-weaving activity of the other subject was associated with increases in certain "emotional" behaviors. Little generalization of suppression was observed from the training environment to the ward living area. Moreover, suppression was not durable over a six-month interval.