EVALUATION OF CLIENT PREFERENCE FOR FUNCTION‐BASED TREATMENT PACKAGES

TLDR

Functional communication training (FCT) and noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) are common functional‑analysis‑based treatments that differ in that FCT delivers reinforcement contingent on client response while NCR delivers it on a fixed schedule. The study demonstrates a method that allows clients with developmental disabilities to select between FCT and NCR to reduce destructive behavior. The authors used a modified concurrent‑chains procedure to assess participants’ treatment preferences after a functional analysis. FCT and NCR equally reduced attention‑reinforced destructive behavior in two participants, but both preferred FCT, underscoring the role of client preference for control over reinforcement timing.

Abstract

Functional communication training (FCT) and noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) are commonly prescribed treatments that are based on the results of a functional analysis. Both treatments involve delivery of the reinforcer that is responsible for the maintenance of destructive behavior. One major difference between the two treatment procedures is that client responding determines reinforcement delivery with FCT (e.g., reinforcement of communication is delivered on a fixed‐ratio 1 schedule) but not with NCR (e.g., reinforcement is delivered on a fixed‐time 30‐s schedule). In the current investigation, FCT and NCR were equally effective in reducing 2 participants' destructive behavior that was sensitive to attention as reinforcement. After the treatment analysis, the participants' relative preference for each treatment was evaluated using a modified concurrent‐chains procedure. Both participants demonstrated a preference for the FCT procedure. The results are discussed in terms of treatment efficacy and preference for control over when reinforcement is delivered. In addition, a method is demonstrated in which clients with developmental disabilities can participate in selecting treatments that are designed to reduce their destructive behavior.