Reduction of automatically maintained self-injurious behavior utilizing noncontingent matched stimuli.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the effects of noncontingent matched stimulation (NMS) on the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of an eight-year-old boy with autism. METHODS: First, a functional analysis was conducted to identify the reinforcers maintaining SIB. Next, an informal preference assessment was conducted to identify a potential object to provide safe matched stimulation. A multielement design was implemented to evaluate the effects of two conditions: (a) noncontingent access to attention and unmatched stimulation (DVD player) and (b) intervention consisting of access to NMS. RESULTS: Results suggested that NMS resulted in a marked decrease of SIB relative to baseline conditions with unmatched stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that unconventional stimuli may provide stimulation similar to that produced by SIB.

The effects of a weighted vest on aggressive and self-injurious behavior in a child with autism.

OBJECTIVE: Analyse the effects of a weighted vest on the aggressive and self-injurious behavior of a young boy with autism. METHODS: The effects of the weighted vest were examined during a functional analysis utilizing an ABAB design with an embedded multielement design, in which the participant wore a five pound weighted vest or no vest. RESULTS: The results do not suggest the existence of a functional relationship between the use of a weighted vest and challenging behavior, as the weighted vest had no marked effect on levels of aggression and self-injurious behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Weighted vests are a commonly implemented form of sensory integration therapy, frequently used as a treatment for disruptive behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder [Stephenson J, Carter M. The use of weighted vests with children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities 2009;39:105-114]. However, the current findings support previous literature which states that the use of weighted vests does not appear to decrease challenging behavior.