Embedding Reinforcement in Choice Making During Free Play in Children with ASD

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of embedded reinforcement and satiation procedures on activity preferences in a small group setting of four children diagnosed with ASD. This study is a systematic replication of Hanley et al (2009) in which researchers used the same procedures to evaluate time allocation and activity preferences of neurotypical children in the classroom during free play. The goal of this study was to see if the results of the original study would generalize to children diagnosed with autism. Satiation procedures resulted in the slight increase of engagement in the highest preferred activity zone with some overlap from baseline levels. Embedded reinforcement was successful in increasing percentage of activity engagement in both targeted areas. Overall findings are consistent with the results of the original study and suggest that these procedures can be effective for both neurotypical and atypical children.