A portable, automated device applied to training a hyperactive child

Abstract

Previously, devices on controlling hyperactivity through automated behavior modification procedures were not employed in generalization training because their use was limited to the time the subject spent in the experimental setting. The present study evaluated a portable device designed to overcome this limitation. It was worn by the subject and contained a mercury switch sensor that responded to a postural orientation consistent with in-seat behavior. It also had a timer-controlled buzzer that was automatically activated at the end of 2-min periods of continuous sitting. The buzzing tone was terminated when the subject pressed a reset button that started a new timing cycle. At the end of a 20-min period, he received one cent for each buzzer activation. This procedure was successfully applied to increase the in-seat behavior of a hyperactive boy. Once control was established with the automated device, it was transferred to a kitchen timer which, in turn, was successfully faded out.