An evaluation of resurgence of appropriate communication in individuals with autism who exhibit severe problem behavior

Abstract

We evaluated resurgence of mands exhibited by 3 individuals with autism and histories of problem behavior. The experimental conditions consisted of (a) reinforcement of a mand, (b) extinction, (c) reinforcement of a 2nd mand, and (d) extinction to test for resurgence of the 1st mand. This 4-component sequence was implemented 3 times with each participant, and resurgence occurred during 8 of 9 tests for resurgence. Results are discussed in terms of implications for the prevention of clinical relapse.