Increasing compliance with pill swallowing in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2021

First Committee Member

Roscoe, Eileen

Second Committee Member

Ahearn, William

Third Committee Member

Thompson, Rachel

Abstract

"Individuals with autism spectrum disorders may engage in disruption or noncompliance in the context of medication administration. Parents or caregivers often resort to alternative techniques to promote compliance, such as modifying the pill or the presentation (e.g., crushing medication, hiding it in food, or allowing children to chew pills; Beck et al., 2005) which can be problematic because crushing or chewing some medications can cause an overdose or render the drug ineffective (Paparella, 2010). The purpose of this study was to extend previous research on increasing compliance will pill swallowing by conducting a progressive treatment approach that involved gradually introducing treatment components. The sequence of components included: stimulus fading by gradually increasing pill size, NCR, response cost, differential reinforcement, and simultaneous presentation. Each participant’s final treatment involved a different combination of treatment components. The implications of the findings for increasing compliance with pill swallowing will be discussed."

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