Further Evaluation of a Multiple Schedule Thinning Procedure Following Functional Communication Training in a School Setting

The effects of a multiple schedule of reinforcement for two children with autism spectrum disorder who engaged in problem behavior were evaluated in a school setting. Following functional behavior assessments, functional communication training was provided to teach a replacement behavior for requesting preferred items. Next, we introduced a fixed-sequence multiple schedule of reinforcement with one S-Delta within a reversal design. One child’s problem behavior was reduced with the initial treatment, but the other child required the addition of an alternative activity procedure. Resurgence of problem behavior was observed with the child whose treatment did not include an alternative activity procedure. Generalized responding across teachers and settings was demonstrated for one of the two children. The addition of an alternative activity was necessary for one child. The use of an alternative activity in a multiple schedule of reinforcement intervention may facilitate generalized responding.