ABSTRACT
The present research was designed to study the applicability of Behavior therapy on autistic children by using its techniques of Positive and Negative reinforcement. It was hypothesized that [1] Treatment with positive reinforcement will increase the desired behavior of the autistic children as compared to that of Autistic children with no treatment [2] Treatment with negative reinforcement will increase the desired behavior of the Autistic children as compared to that of autistic children with no treatment and [3] Treatment with positive reinforcement will be more effective than treatment with negative reinforcement. The sample comprised of 120 autistic children, 56 girls and 64 boys, [belonging to all socioeconomic levels with the age limit of 6 to 12 years] coming to a neuromuscular rehabilitation center of Karachi. It was divided into three equal groups, including a control group, to implement selected techniques of behavior therapy. The treatment packages consisted of the use of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and no treatment. Previously, three target behaviors crying, non-compliance and hitting were selected for the treatment. In order to study the possible causes of target behaviors and selection of reinforcers, Motivation Assessment Scale [MAS] by Durand [1990] was administered. The record of occurrence of target behaviors before and after the implementation of 30 sessions was taken. t-test for independent mean and ANOVA were applied for statistical analysis. It was found that Behaviour treatment with Positive Reinforcement and Negative Reinforcement are effective to reduce maladaptive behavior in autistic children [t=-8.395, df=78, p<.000] and [t = -11.366, df=78, p<.000] respectively. Further it was shown that treatment with positive reinforcement is more effective as compared to negative reinforcement [t=-2.65, df=78, p<.000]