Extensions of Resurgence as Choice

Description

Although behavioral treatments for decreasing destructive behavior, such as differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA), are effective in the clinic, problem behavior often returns when a caregiver does not give the child their way in the natural environment (e.g., caregiver is busy with an infant sibling). This form of treatment relapse is known as resurgence. The goal of the current study is to evaluate whether alternating sessions in which the child can have their way (i.e., "on" sessions) with sessions in which the child can not have their way (i.e., "off" sessions) helps to mitigate resurgence.

Conditions

Problem Behavior, Aggression, Self-Injury

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Although behavioral treatments for decreasing destructive behavior, such as differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA), are effective in the clinic, problem behavior often returns when a caregiver does not give the child their way in the natural environment (e.g., caregiver is busy with an infant sibling). This form of treatment relapse is known as resurgence. The goal of the current study is to evaluate whether alternating sessions in which the child can have their way (i.e., "on" sessions) with sessions in which the child can not have their way (i.e., "off" sessions) helps to mitigate resurgence.

Extensions of Resurgence as Choice: Basic and Clinical Studies

Extensions of Resurgence as Choice

Condition
Problem Behavior
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Somerset

Children's Specialized Hospital-Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Services, Somerset, New Jersey, United States, 08873

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. boys and girls from ages 3 to 17;
  • 2. problem behavior that occurs at least 10 times a day, despite previous treatment;
  • 3. problem behavior maintained by social positive reinforcement;
  • 4. stable protective supports for self-injurious behavior (e.g., helmet) with no anticipated changes during enrollment;
  • 5. on a stable psychoactive drug regimen for at least 10 half-lives per drug or drug free;
  • 6. stable educational plan and placement with no anticipated changes during the child's treatment.
  • 1. patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria;
  • 2. patients currently receiving 15 or more hours per week of treatment for their problem behavior;
  • 3. DSM-5 diagnosis of Rett syndrome or other degenerative conditions (e.g., inborn error of metabolism);
  • 4. a comorbid health condition or major mental disorder that would interfere with study participation;
  • 5. occurrence of self-injury during study assessments that presents a risk of serious or permanent harm (e.g., detached retinas) based on our routine clinical-risk assessment;
  • 6. patients requiring changes to protective supports for self-injury or drug treatment, but we will invite these patients to participate when protective supports and drug regimen are stable.

Ages Eligible for Study

3 Years to 17 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,

Study Record Dates

2028-01-31