Technology-based programs to support adaptive responding and reduce hand mouthing in two persons with multiple disabilities

Abstract

These two single-case studies assessed the use of microswitch clusters to support adaptive responses and reduce problem behavior with two adults with multiple disabilities. Study I involved a man whose adaptive responses consisted of touching color shapes appearing on a computer screen in front of him and the problem behavior was hand mouthing. Study II involved a woman whose adaptive response consisted of using a napkin to wipe her mouth to reduce drooling effects. Her problem behavior, like for the man, was hand mouthing. Initially, the intervention focused on the adaptive responses, which were followed by preferred stimulation. Then the intervention was extended so that the stimulation for the adaptive responses would be interrupted if the problem behavior appeared during its occurrence. The data of the two studies suggest that the intervention was effective in helping the participants engage in consistent rates of adaptive responses and curb their problem behavior. These findings were analyzed in relation to the characteristics of the intervention approach and its practical implications.