Using Operant Conditioning to Promote Eye Contact in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

QUESTION

Describe how to apply operant conditioning when working with a child on the autism spectrum to make eye contact with an adult.

Be sure to do the following:

Briefly recap and describe the target behavior that needs to be shaped.
Break the behavior down into the manageable parts that will help to shape (list each part).
Evaluate a minimum of four specific reinforcers that could be used to shape behaviors; select the most appropriate one.
Describe at least two factors that should be considered when selecting a reinforcer and explain the reasoning for choosing that reinforcer.
Using the behavioral parts and the selected reinforcer, describe the process that will be used to shape the target behavior.
Discuss how to balance eventually removing tangible reinforcement while preventing extinction during shaping.

ANSWER

Using Operant Conditioning to Promote Eye Contact in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Introduction

Operant conditioning is a behavioral approach that can be effective in shaping specific behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One target behavior often addressed is eye contact, as it plays a crucial role in social interaction and communication. This essay will describe the process of applying operant conditioning techniques to help a child on the autism spectrum develop and increase eye contact with adults. By breaking down the behavior into manageable parts, selecting appropriate reinforcers, and implementing a systematic shaping process, we can promote the desired behavior while addressing potential challenges such as removing tangible reinforcement and preventing extinction.

Target Behavior: Eye Contact

Eye contact refers to the act of looking directly into someone’s eyes. For children with ASD, making eye contact can be challenging due to social communication difficulties. Shaping this behavior involves gradually increasing the duration and frequency of eye contact.

Breaking down the Behavior

Brief glances towards the adult’s face
Sustained eye contact for a few seconds
Extended eye contact during short interactions
Consistent eye contact during conversations

Selection of Reinforcers

When selecting reinforcers, it is crucial to consider the child’s preferences, interests, and sensory sensitivities. Four specific reinforcers that could be effective in shaping eye contact include:
Verbal Praise: Providing positive feedback and verbal acknowledgment when the child demonstrates eye contact.
Social Rewards: Offering social interaction, such as engaging in a preferred activity or game, as a reward for maintaining eye contact.
Token System: Implementing a token economy where the child earns tokens for each instance of eye contact and can exchange them for desired rewards or privileges.
Tangible Rewards: Providing small, preferred items or activities as immediate reinforcement following successful eye contact.

Factors to Consider in Reinforcer Selection

Two important factors to consider when selecting a reinforcer are individual preferences and reinforcement effectiveness. It is essential to choose a reinforcer that holds value for the child and is motivating enough to encourage and maintain the target behavior. Additionally, the reinforcer should be readily accessible, easily deliverable, and age-appropriate to ensure its effectiveness in reinforcing eye contact.

Shaping Process

The shaping process involves systematically reinforcing each behavior step while gradually increasing the expectations. Initially, the child may receive reinforcement for brief glances towards the adult’s face. As the child demonstrates this behavior consistently, reinforcement is provided for sustained eye contact for a few seconds. This process continues, gradually shaping the behavior towards extended eye contact during short interactions and, ultimately, consistent eye contact during conversations. Each step is reinforced consistently using the selected reinforcer.

Balancing Tangible Reinforcement and Preventing Extinction

To balance the removal of tangible reinforcement while preventing extinction, a fading procedure can be implemented. As the child progresses and demonstrates more frequent and sustained eye contact, the reliance on tangible reinforcement can gradually decrease. Intermittent reinforcement can be introduced, wherein the child receives reinforcement only for some instances of eye contact, rather than every time. This intermittent reinforcement helps maintain the behavior while gradually reducing reliance on tangible rewards. Simultaneously, natural social consequences, such as positive social interactions and increased attention from adults, can become reinforcing factors themselves.

Conclusion

Applying operant conditioning techniques to shape eye contact in children with autism spectrum disorder can be an effective intervention strategy. Breaking down the behavior, selecting appropriate reinforcers, implementing a systematic shaping process, and balancing the removal of tangible reinforcement are essential steps in this process. By utilizing reinforcement strategies tailored to the child’s preferences and needs, educators and caregivers can promote the development of eye contact and enhance social communication skills in children with ASD.