Providing Alternative Reinforcers to Facilitate Tolerance to Delayed Reinforcement Following Functional Communication Training

Abstract

Functional communication training (FCT) is one of the most thoroughly researched treatments for severe problem behavior exhibited by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The earliest stages of FCT involve providing immediate and continuous reinforcement for a communicative response (FCR) that is functionally equivalent to the targeted problem behavior. However, maintaining immediate reinforcement is not practical, and the introduction of delays is associated with increased problem behavior. The present study evaluated the effects of providing alternative reinforcers during delays to reinforcement. Results indicated problem behavior was less likely when alternative reinforcers were available during delays.