Using Antecedent and Consequent Control to Decrease Problem Behavior in the Transition Between Activities: Child With Autism

Abstract

The purpose of the present investigation was to decrease problem behavior and establish appropriate behavior in a boy with autism (9 years 2 months old at the start of the study) who had severe behavior problems when transitioning to a different activity. Based on an analysis of the contingencies between the problem behavior and appropriate behavior in 4 situations, antecedent controls were devised, specifically, a schedule for each activity and a timer to inform the boy of the start and finish of each activity. As consequences, praise was given for transition to another activity, and problem behavior was ignored. Following the use of this method, the problem behavior decreased, and the boy could make the transition to other activities. The present procedure was based on Homer and Billingsley's (1988) suggestion of an analysis of contingencies in situations involving problem behavior and appropriate behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)