The evaluation of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) and functional communication training (FCT) on the rates of attention-maintained perseverative speech

Abstract

Many children with developmental disabilities also demonstrate delays in communication. These delays have been demonstrated in all aspects of communication, including skills such as manding, tacting and other social communication. Many of these children also evidence atypical speech patterns such as perseverative speech. This study evaluated the effects of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) and functional communication training (FCT) on rates of perseverative speech maintained by attention. Results showed that both procedures were effective in reducing problem behavior, however, manding only occurred in the FCT condition. It appears as though an extinction component was in part responsible for the behavior change, and an increase in play skills may have contributed to a decrease in motivation to access attention. Nonetheless, without a component analysis, it cannot be determined which variable or variables were responsible for the decrease in problem behavior.