A Further Evaluation of Choice of Task Sequence

Abstract

Although choice of task has been effective in reducing noncompliance, it may provide an opportunity to escape from less-preferred tasks. We used a reversal design to evaluate the effects of choice of a low-preference task sequence on noncompliance, task engagement, and duration to complete activities across two individuals with autism spectrum disorder and one participant with a speech and language impairment. Choice of task sequence effectively reduced noncompliance across two participants. For the third participant, choice was initially effective although treatment effects failed to replicate. Task engagement was greater during choice than the no-choice condition for one participant, while there were no meaningful differences for the remaining two participants. Duration to complete tasks was similar across conditions across participants. During choice, noncompliance generalized to a novel teacher and the effects maintained across two participants. Social validity of the procedures and outcomes were assessed and found to be favorable.