Establishing Communicative Alternatives to the Emission of Socially Motivated Excess Behavior: A Review

Abstract

This article discusses literature related to the use of communication intervention for reducing excess behavior in persons with severe disabilities and speculates upon unresolved issues in research and intervention. Operant conditioning and pragmatics are discussed in terms of their joint application to excess behavior. The intervention literature is reviewed, and a comprehensive list of possible pragmatic intents of excess behavior is developed. Finally, recommendations regarding important lines of research and intervention are presented.