Helping a man with multiple disabilities increase object-contact responses and reduce hand stereotypy via a microswitch cluster program.

Background: People with profound and multiple disabilities often display aberrant behaviours (such as stereotypical movements) which can inhibit learning and lead to social stigmatisation. This study was designed to help a man with multiple disabilities increase his object-contact responses and reduce hand stereotypy (in this case, hand/wrist rotation).

Method: An A-B-A-B design with a 3-month post-intervention check was employed. At baseline, a combination of microswitches (or microswitch cluster) was used to monitor the man's object-contact responses and hand stereotypy. During the intervention phases and post-intervention check, the microswitch cluster was combined with preferred stimuli for object-contact responses occurring without hand stereotypy. The stimulation lasted for 8 seconds if the man remained free from hand stereotypy for that time, but was interrupted if the stereotypy appeared.

Results: The intervention showed an increase in object-contact responses occurring without hand stereotypy and a reduction in session time with hand stereotypy. These data were maintained at the 3-month post-intervention check.

Conclusion: Replication of these findings with other individuals would confirm the utility of this type of intervention for increasing constructive responding and reducing stereotyped behaviours.