Evaluation of satiation-resistant head rocking

Practice of an alternative behavior as intervention for object stereotypy: Comparison of contingent and noncontingent implementation across evoking stimuli.

“…Providing noncontingent access to preferred leisure and play materials can be effective in reducing stereotypic behaviors maintained by automatic reinforcement (LeBlanc, Patel, & Carr, 2000). However, most studies have targeted stereotypy that does not include contact with objects, for example, hand mouthing and saliva play (Piazza et al, 2000; Vollmer, Marcus, & LeBlanc, 1994) and head rocking, face rubbing, and repetitive hand movements (Britton, Carr, Landaburu, & Romick, 2002; Wilder, Kellum, & Carr, 2000). Many children with autism display stereotypy by manipulating objects, and this situation may make it difficult to provide noncontingent access to alternative (and more preferred) stimuli.…”