The effects of adding interruption to differential reinforcement on targeted and novel self-stimulatory behaviors

Abstract

This study compared differential reinforcement of other (DRO) and incompatible (DRI) behaviors to these same two procedures combined with a mild interruption procedure on a 6-year-old developmentally disabled girl's self-stimulatory behaviors. The results showed that the combination was more effective for reducing all of the targeted behaviors. These low rates were maintained at a 4-month follow-up. In addition, several new forms of stereotypy that appeared as the targeted behaviors diminished decreased rapidly when interruption was applied to them. Finally, independent toy play increased as a by-product of the treatment.