Reducing Loud Vocalization through Noncontingent Reinforcement and Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased in recent decades and development of treatment techniques for the disruptive behaviors associated with autism has become an essential requirement. This research investigates the role of Non-contingent Reinforcement (NCR) and Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviors (DRI) for loud vocalizations, particularly among children with ASD. A functional behavior assessment was done to determine the targets of the intervention; this intervention consisted of 14 sessions of reinforcement statements. Intervention was implemented by teachers, including statements to reinforce desirable behavior and reduce undesirable behavior. With the help of NCR and DRI strategies, treatment was designed for loud vocalizations at home, school and clinic. Assessments were also done once a week after a month’s interval to check whether the changes were lasting. The outcome of the intervention showed that it was effective in the reduction of loud vocalizations. Subsequent follow up results showed that these changes were also maintained; showing the effectiveness of interventions as successful. It was further shown that children with ASD benefitted greatly from individualized treatment plans due to these positive outcomes, providing further understanding of behavioral difficulties of such populations.