Graduation Year

2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Degree Granting Department

Child and Family Studies

Major Professor

Kimberly Crosland, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Committee Member

Catia Cividini-Motta, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Committee Member

Raymond G. Miltenberger, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Keywords

DRA, DRO, extinction, ASD, school, transitions

Abstract

School attendance is important for the social and academic development of children. Therefore, appropriate transitions to school are a necessary skill for students. Differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO) is a non-intrusive procedure used to decrease undesired behaviors. Likewise, differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors (DRA) is a widely used procedure to increase appropriate alternative behaviors while reducing inappropriate behaviors. This procedure has been assessed throughout behavior analytic literature alongside other behavioral components. The use of DRA without extinction has been shown to be an effective procedure to increase appropriate behaviors and decrease disruptive behaviors without completely withholding reinforcement for behaviors that may be difficult, or not advisable, to put under extinction. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an intervention package to increase the appropriate transitions into school of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results from this study showed that the intervention appeared to be effective in increasing the client’s transitions within the 5-min timeframe, although the client continued to engage in at least one instance of problem behavior during transitions.

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