Presentation Title: Teaching tolerance to delayed reinforcement to individuals with severe problem behavior 

 

Name(s) of Co-author(s), if any: 

 

Presentation Abstract: 

 

Thirty plus years of functional analysis and treatment research has resulted in a robust technology of behavior change for individuals with severe problem behavior based. The most commonly evaluated and effective model of treatment involves identifying the reinforcer or reinforcers maintaining problem behavior, arranging extinction such that those reinforcers no longer follow problem behavior, and arranging those reinforcers to be delivered for other, more appropriate behavior (e.g., compliance or manding). This treatment model is highly effective when implemented in structured environments in which caregivers can respond to each request immediately. However, in most typical environments, caregivers will not respond immediately to each request. The introduction of delays to reinforcement results in a weakening of the appropriate behavior and in the potential a reemergence of problem behavior. This workshop will provide strategies to teach tolerance to these delays with data from clinical evaluations. 

 

Learning Objectives (at least 2): 

1. Will be able to identify the environmental contingencies that promote behavioral resurgence and maintenance under delayed reinforcement for functional communication responses. 

2. Will be able to arrange contingencies to promote active engagement in appropriate behavior during delay periods.