An evaluation of mixed, fixed, and no delays to reinforcement on problem behavior, preference, and task engagement

The proposed study aimed to replicate and extend basic and applied literature pertaining to functional communication training (FCT), delays to reinforcement, concurrent schedules of reinforcement, problem behavior (e.g., escape maintained), and task engagement in individuals with autism. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of presenting a 0-s delay, a mixed delay (0, 30-s) and a fixed delay (15-s) within a concurrent schedule arrangement on problem behavior, preference, and task engagement among three individuals with ASD. An ABAB reversal single-case design was conducted during the current study. During this evaluation, the quality of the reinforcement was manipulated. Selecting the 0-s delay led to lower quality reinforcement (i.e., low preferred items for 30-s), whereas selecting the mixed or fixed delay led to higher quality reinforcement (i.e., access to preferred items for 30-s). Results indicated that two out of three participants preferred the mixed delay over the fixed delay and the 0-s delay to reinforcement alternatives. One participant preferred the mixed and fixed delay equally. None of the participants preferred the 0-s delay to reinforcement. Presenting these three delays to reinforcement alternatives concurrently, at the beginning of treatment, resulted in low levels of problem behavior for all participants and task engagement levels remained at high levels. Potential implications for practice and possible areas of future research on delays to reinforcement, especially regarding mixed delays to reinforcement are discussed.