Teaching a child with autism spectrum disorders to tolerate delayed reinforcement

Abstract

It is necessary to teach children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) delayed reinforcement skills. The aim of the present case study was to examine the effectiveness of shaping procedure application in order to increase appropriate wait time with a six year old boy diagnosed with ASD. In this study we applied delayed reinforcement protocol, which is based on the shaping procedure. The procedure was applied during discrete trial training, natural environment teaching and in home environment by parents. Baseline data was collected regarding adequate wait time exhibited by a participant in three different sessions, where it was established that average wait time duration was four seconds. In eleven sessions, the child mastered the desired skill. A significant progress was related to the application of the protocol in home environment by the parents and the autonomous use of behavior self-regulation strategies. It is relevant to mention that the alternative activities delivered during the time delay were considered as neutral stimuli and after the application of this protocol, they have become preferred items. We believe that this case studies’ biggest limitation is the need for applying this procedure at all in the context of preparing the child for taking on the desired passive role at school.