Habit reversal and repetitive and restrictive behaviour patterns in young people with autism spectrum disorders

In Study 2, a pilot study with two individuals with autism showed that the application of unmodified HRT replaced the target behaviour with a new RRB in the first participant. Modifications including training to identify antecedent triggers and multiple competing responses. The modifications resulted in successful reduction without new RRB’s occurring for the second participant..

Study 3, showed that training multiple competing response with a lag schedule reduced target behaviours for two participants with self-harming RRB’s. In Study 4, HRT was modified to double the duration of functional play behaviour for a non-verbal child with autism. Study results are discussed including limitations and considerations for future research.<br><br>