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

Document Type

Poster

Department

Psychology

Conference Title

Association for Behavior Analysis Autism Conference

Location

Washington, D.C.

Conference Dates

January 28-30, 2011

Date of Presentation

1-28-2011

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 (e.g., repetitious wheel spinning), the types of items or activities they select (e.g., preoccupation with a phone book), or the range of items or activities they select (i.e., narrow range of items). Restricted interests may limit sources of stimulation, and interruption of engagement with restricted interests may evoke problem behavior (Charlop-Christy & Haymes, 1996; Hanley et al., 2003). Additionally, 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 and colleagues (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, and those with restricted preferences experienced a narrower array of items. Caregiver sensitivity to student behavior is discussed in terms of expanding preferences.

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