Addressing Prompt Dependency in the Treatment of Challenging Behavior Maintained by Access to Tangible Items.

Prompt dependency is a common concern for individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly autism spectrum disorder. Previous research has shown that different interventions can be used to decrease prompt dependency. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of various treatments to decrease prompt dependency during functional communication training in the treatment of challenging behavior maintained by access to tangible items in a 16-year-old female diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Evaluation of a latency-based competing stimulus assessment.

A competing stimulus assessment is used to identify stimuli that are associated with a low level of challenging behavior and a high level of engagement. These stimuli are often used as a treatment component for challenging behavior that is maintained by automatic reinforcement. One limitation of implementing competing stimulus assessments is that they may be time consuming.

An Evaluation of Contingent Gum Chewing on Rumination Exhibited by an Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Rumination is defined as repeated regurgitation of food, not attributed to other medical conditions. Some individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities engage in rumination, and it can lead to multiple health issues. Previous research demonstrated that noncontingent presentation of chewing gum could be an effective treatment for reducing ruminations.

Effects of neutral and enthusiastic praise on the rate of discrimination acquisition.

Previous research has shown that praise is an effective reinforcer; however, few researchers have evaluated whether qualitative differences in praise affect responding. The purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of neutral, enthusiastic, and no praise on the rate of matching-to-sample acquisition during discrete-trial training with adults diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability. In addition, we evaluated preference for neutral, enthusiastic, and no praise.