Implementing multiple schedules with naturally occurring stimuli via telehealth

Abstract

Functional communication training (FCT) is an effective intervention to decrease challenging behavior. However, the continuous reinforcement of mands commonly implemented within FCT is difficult to implement in natural settings. Schedule thinning using a multiple schedule arrangement addresses this barrier, yet most studies evaluating this approach have been conducted in clinical environments and using implementer-arranged stimuli to signal reinforcer availability. The purposes of the current study are to (a) evaluate the effectiveness of caregiver-implemented multiple schedules in the home setting with caregiver coaching via telehealth and (b) evaluate the effectiveness of transferring stimulus control from caregiver-arranged to naturally occurring stimuli to signal reinforcer availability within a multiple schedule arrangement. The results indicated FCT was effective in reducing challenging behavior and increasing manding. For one participant, discriminated manding was established with caregiver-arranged stimuli within 7 sessions and transferred to naturally occurring stimuli with a three-step fading procedure across 33 sessions. For the other participant, discriminated manding was established with the caregiver-arranged stimuli within 21 sessions and transferred to naturally occurring stimuli with a three-step fading procedure across 23 sessions. Both caregivers implemented FCT and multiple schedules with fidelity. Given the preliminary nature of the results, more research is needed to determine if this strategy is effective and if there is a more efficient approach to teach discrimination of naturally occurring stimuli.