Evaluation of a Sequential Extinction Procedure on Preference for Communication Modalities During Functional Communication Training

Functional communication training is an effective and well-established intervention for socially maintained challenging behavior. Previous research determined that preference for functional communication responses (FCRs) influences treatment durability. This study extends previous research by evaluating the use of a sequential extinction procedure to establish a hierarchy of preference for FCR modalities within a treatment context. We taught participants different FCR modalities to access the same reinforcer maintaining challenging behavior and assessed modality preference via a concurrent operant mand modality preference assessment measuring FCR modality response allocation and challenging behavior. We then sequentially placed preferred modalities on extinction to establish a preference hierarchy and evaluate persistence of communication and challenging behavior during treatment challenges. Preference hierarchies were established for all participants within the context of treatment (functional communication training). Additionally, some challenging behavior was observed when preferred modalities were placed on extinction; however, effects were temporary and did not always persist across sequential extinction phases. These findings provide preliminary evidence to support teaching multiple communication modalities may lead to a more durable treatment. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.