Do children with autism spectrum disorders prefer predictable schedules?

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2017

First Committee Member

Dickson, Chata A.

Second Committee Member

Sassi, Jessica

Third Committee Member

Hanley, Gregory P.

Abstract

"This study evaluated the preference of individuals for two different activity schedules, a predictable schedule with contingency-correlated stimuli and an unpredictable schedule with uncorrelated stimuli, using a concurrent chains procedure. Three individuals, aged 17, 20, and 20, diagnosed with autism, participated in the study. Selection responses (i.e., the physical removal of a choice stimulus from the choice board during the initial link) were measured. Six consecutive selection responses towards either the predictable or unpredictable schedule were indicative of a clear preference. All three participants selected the predictable schedule six consecutive times, following procedural modifications, indicating a preference for predictable schedules. Allowing participants to choose between schedules served as a direct measure of social validity."

This document is available upon request to Western New England University faculty, students, and staff. Please contact D'Amour Library at for access.

Share

COinS