Research has shown that noncontingent escape (NCE) and functional communication training (FCT) can be effective treatments for challenging behavior. One limitation of the NCE procedure is the failure to provide explicit contingencies for learning an alternative adaptive behavior. Additionally, problems can arise with a FCT procedure. In this study, FCT was superimposed on an existing NCE schedule in an attempt to maintain the advantages of each procedure while removing known limitations. The data showed that with NCE plus FCT, rates of disruptive behavior remained at near zero levels while compliance with task demands and appropriate verbal responses increased to levels significantly above baseline. The authors discuss the effectiveness of the procedure for addressing the limitations of each intervention.
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