The effect of “restricted interests” on caregiver presentation of items

Document Type

Conference Presentation

Department

Psychology

Conference Title

Association for Behavior Analysis

Location

San Antonio, TX

Conference Dates

May 28 - June 1, 2010

Date of Presentation

5-28-2010

Abstract

Restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB) is more pervasive, prevalent, frequent, and severe in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), relative to their typical peers. One subtype of RRB is restricted interests in items or activities, which is evident in the manner in which individuals engage with items the types of items or activities they select or the range of items or activities they select. Restricted interests may limit sources of stimulation, and interruption of engagement with restricted interests may evoke problem behavior (Charlop-Christy & Haymes, 1996). Individuals with restricted interests may respond differentially to an array of items—positively toward preferred items and negatively toward nonpreferred items—potentially affecting the array of items presented to these individuals. The purpose of the present study was to use procedures similar to Carr et al. (1991) to evaluate the effects of the behavior of those with ASDs on caregiver presentation of items. Results show that caregiver presentation of items corresponds with differential responses provided by individuals with ASD. Those with more restricted preference experience a narrower array of items. IOA was collected on 30% of sessions and exceeded 80%.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS