Foxx, R. M., & Azrin, N. H. (1973).
The elimination of autistic self-stimulatory behavior by overcorrection.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
6, 1-14.
No method is in general usage and of demonstrated effectiveness
in eliminating the self-stimulatory behaviors of retardates and
autistics. An Overcorrection rationale was used to develop such a
method. The Overcorrection procedures consisted of a period of
practice in the correct mode of the behavior contingent upon
self-stimulatory behavior. The procedures were applied in a
behavioral day-care program to three retarded children and one
autistic child who exhibited object-mouthing, hand-mouthing,
head-weaving and hand-clapping. For some behaviors, comparisons
were made between the Overcorrection procedure and several
alternative procedures, such as physical punishment by a slap,
reinforcement for nonself-stimulatory behavior, a distasteful
solution painted on the hand of a hand-mouther, and free
reinforcement. The Overcorrection procedures eliminated the
self-stimulatory behaviors of all four children in tutorial
sessions and during the entire school day and were more effective
than the alternative procedures in eliminating self-stimulation.
The Overcorrection procedures appear to be rapid, enduring, and
effective methods of eliminating self-stimulatory behavior.