A replication of the RIRD strategy to decrease vocal stereotypy in a student with autism

Abstract

This study was conducted to decrease vocal stereotypy in a student with autism. Results of functional analysis indicated that vocal stereotypy was maintained by automatic reinforcement. We used the Response Interruption and Redirection (RIRD; Ahearn, Clark, & McDonald, 2007) strategy to decrease the vocal behavior. An ABAB design was used. Results indicated that the RIRD intervention successfully reduced the target behavior. Results are discussed and implications for practice are provided. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.