Differential Reinforcement As a Way of Life

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders frequently develop problem behaviors that can range anywhere from relatively mild to extreme. Over the past several decades, differential reinforcement procedures have been refined in such a way that a majority of the problem behavior can be attenuated simply by changes in the interaction style of care providers, family members, teachers, peers, etc. Specifically, differential reinforcement can be implemented fluidly throughout an individual's life, and this should be no different than any person's interactions with any other person. That is, we should be providing greater levels of reinforcement for desired behavior and lesser levels of reinforcement for undesired behavior. The presenter will draw from his own research and published research of others to make a case for differential reinforcement as a way of life, and as a treatment for problem behavior in autism.