Behavior Intervention for James, a Child with Autism
1. Reinforcement Maintaining the Behavior:
The reinforcement maintaining James’ hitting behavior is twofold: peer attention and access to preferred toys. When James hits his peers, he receives attention from them, and he also gains access to the toys he desires. These consequences reinforce his hitting behavior and increase the likelihood of its recurrence.
2. Implementation of Extinction Procedure:
To address James’ hitting behavior, an extinction procedure can be implemented. This involves removing the reinforcement that maintains the behavior. In this case, when James hits his peers to gain access to toys or attention, the toys should be immediately removed, and peers should be instructed not to provide attention when James hits them.
3. Short-Term Effects of Extinction Procedure:
Initially, James may exhibit an increase in hitting behavior as he tests the effectiveness of his actions to regain access to toys and attention. This phase is known as an extinction burst. However, if the extinction procedure is consistently applied and reinforcement for hitting is completely eliminated, James will likely show a decrease in hitting behavior over time.
4. Long-Term Effects of Extinction Procedure:
In the long term, with continued implementation of the extinction procedure and consistent removal of reinforcement for hitting, James is expected to show a significant reduction in hitting behavior. By eliminating the rewarding consequences of hitting, James will learn that hitting no longer results in access to toys or attention.
5. Ethical Considerations:
When implementing an extinction procedure for a behavior like hitting in a child with autism, it is crucial to consider ethical implications. Some ethical considerations include:
– Ensuring that alternative positive behaviors are taught to James to replace hitting.
– Monitoring James’ emotional well-being during the extinction process to prevent increased frustration or aggression.
– Collaboration with parents or caregivers to ensure consistency in implementing the intervention and support for James.
– Regularly assessing James’ progress and making adjustments to the intervention as needed to promote positive behavior change while respecting his dignity and rights.
By carefully implementing an extinction procedure tailored to James’ hitting behavior and considering ethical considerations throughout the intervention process, positive behavior changes can be achieved, leading to improved social interactions and communication skills for James.
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