Effects of a Self-Management Intervention to Improve Behaviors of a Child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the most prevalent causes of developmental disability, impacting up to 2-5% of children in the United States. Yet, evidence-based treatments for individuals with FASD are notably limited, and individuals with this diagnosis have been very underrepresented in the empirical behavior analytic literature. The current study investigated the effects of an intervention package consisting of self-monitoring and contingent reinforcement on the behavior of an 11-year-old Hispanic male with FASD. The intervention had therapeutic effects on the participant's independent task completion and arguing behavior. These results suggest the promise of behavior analytic interventions for individuals with FASD, and document the positive effects of this self-management intervention in particular. Implications for behavior analytic research and practice among individuals with FASD are discussed.