An Examination of the Effects of Response Interruption and Redirection on Vocal Stereotypy, Motor Stereotypy, and Appropriate Vocalizations in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study sought to evaluate the direct and collateral effects of response interruption and redirection interventions (RIRD) designed to reduce vocal stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Functional behavior assessment conducted prior to implementation of intervention procedures indicated that stereotypy was maintained by automatic reinforcement for both participants. RIRD procedures involving contingent vocal demands and contingent motor demands were implemented in the natural environment for two nine-year-old boys diagnosed with ASD. The effects of both variations of RIRD on vocal stereotypy, motor stereotypy and appropriate vocalizations were assessed in a combined reversal alternating treatments design. RIRD conditions produced similar results with significant reductions in vocal stereotypy to levels significantly lower than baseline for both participants, and slight increases in appropriate vocalizations. The intervention procedures produced contrasting effects on motor stereotypy: decreasing to levels substantially lower than baseline for Participant 1 and increasing for Participant 2. Current results expand previous research on RIRD with procedural modifications designed to increase practicality of implementation in the natural environment. An assessment of social validity revealed that parents perceived the intervention methods as acceptable and easy to implement in the home environment.