Presenter(s): Jessica O’Neill
Faculty Mentor(s): Lindsay Glugatch
Poster 94
Session: Social Sciences & Humanities
One of the defining characteristics of autism is repetitive and rigid behaviors (RRB). RRB can impede social learning and impact appropriate play. Having flexibility in play is important for young children with autism in order to increase positive social interactions in various social settings. This study aims to determine if there is a functional relation between a lag schedule of reinforcement and variability in play routines. A single-case design study is used in which the subject serves as her own control, testing with a multiple-baseline design across different play routines. The intervention includes a lag schedule which provides social reinforcement after a varied amount of responses. The anticipated results include increases in flexibility within the targeted play routines. Implications for future research using lag schedules of reinforcement within social domains will be further discussed.