Using self-stimulation as reinforcement for autistic children

Abstract

This experiment examined the effects of using self-stimulatory behavior as reinforcement for spontaneous appropriate sentences in two autistic children. The children were put on a token system and always received one token for every spontaneous appropriate sentence they made. An ABABA design was employed. In condition A, the opportunity to self-stimulate was contingent on the payment of tokens (two tokens for 2 minutes of self-stimulation). In condition B, no tokens were required for self-stimulation. The results showed that both subjects exhibited a much higher rate of spontaneous appropriate sentences during the contingent self-stimulation (A) condition, demonstrating that self-stimulation functioned as an effective reinforcement. The possibility of using self-stimulation as reinforcement in the treatment of autistic children is discussed.