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
Sarah Bloom, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Committee Member
Heather M. Zerger, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Committee Member
Meka N. McCammon, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Differential Reinforcement, Escape maintained behavior, Positive reinforcement, Problem behavior, Screaming
Abstract
Differential and positive reinforcement are non-intrusive interventions that have proven to be successful in decreasing problem behavior. This study aims to decrease the screaming behavior exhibited by a four-year-old male diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by using differential reinforcement without extinction alongside positive reinforcement in the form of edibles. The researcher hypothesized that the use of both interventions would be more effective than the use of one intervention. Using an AB experimental design, the intervention was successful in producing an 80% decrease from baseline screaming. Though successful, many limitations were presented throughout the study, affecting the consistency and replicability of the study.
Scholar Commons Citation
Vargas, Talitha, "Reducing Screaming when Items/Toys are Touched by Others" (2022). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/9825
