Dr. Carbone describes verbal stereotypies and comments an example of treatment of a child with autism using verbal stereotypies as a reinforcer for appropriate behavior in an academic setting.
Stereotypies are repetitive sorts of behavior frequently displayed by children with autism. Stereotypies are a criterion for the diagnosis of autism.
Types of stereotypies:
(1) Vocal stereotypies: non-functional vocalisations that hace no social meaning.
(2) Motor stereotypies: repetitive motor movements (hand-flapping, rocking, eye movements).
Stereotypies are automatically reinforced. The sensation that the behavior produces reinforces the behavior (self-stimulation).
Typical individuals engage in stereotypies as well but due to social inhibitions they occur privately and not in public places.
Stereotypies interfere with the learning of skills and they are stigmatizing when they bring undue attention from others.
The video ends with an example of treatment of a child with autism exhibiting stereotypies. The treatment method is based upon some research in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, that suggests that stereotypies can act as reinforcers for appropriate behavior. The child's stereotypies are used as a reinforcer, contingent upon not engaging in the stereotypies. There have been academic papers published on this topic that suggest this treatment method is an effective way to overcome automatically reinforced repetitive behaviors during academic instruction.
The Carbone Clinic in Dubai treats children with autism. Our treatment follows the methodology developed by Dr. Vincent Carbone in his New York clinic based upon B.F. Skinner's Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Treatment is supervised by certified senior staff to provide high-quality ABA services.
Contact us on +971 4 453 9810 www.thecarboneclinic.ae
