Effects of Contingent and Noncontingent Vision Stimulation on Visual Fixation in Multiply Handicapped Children

Abstract

This study assessed contingency awareness in young severely handicapped, nonambulatory children who had voluntary control over eye movements. Initially, a simultaneous treatment phase of alternating daily sessions of contingent and noncontingent sensory stimulation was presented. A second phase consisting of two daily sessions of contingent stimulation followed. In the third and final phase, alternating treatment was reinstituted. All children demonstrated longer duration of visual fixation to the sensory stimulation display during sessions of contingent stimulation. These data indicate the children's ability to discriminate between both types of sensory stimulation and may be interpreted as a measure of preference for contingent stimulation. Possible implications of these data for program design and implementation with severely handicapped students are discussed.