Mace, A. B., Shapiro, E. S., & Mace, F. C. (1998).
Effects of warning stimuli for reinforcer withdrawal and task onset on self-injury.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
31, 679-682.
Results of a functional analysis of self-injurious behavior (SIB)
in a child with autism showed that her SIB was maintained by
access to preferred objects and escape or avoidance of task
demands. Extinction and noncontingent reinforcement treatments
were supplemented by presenting a statement combined with a
picture cue at 30-s intervals indicating that a preferred object
would be removed or a task would be presented. Warning stimuli in
combination with extinction and noncontingent reinforcement
reduced SIB to acceptable levels. SIB rates remained
comparatively high in a control condition consisting of a 2-min
delay to onset of reinforcer removal or task demands.
DESCRIPTORS: _self-injury, functional analysis in schools, warning
stimuli, treatment supplement