Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 2012
Frequency and type of incontinence and its association with other variables were assessed in fema... more Frequency and type of incontinence and its association with other variables were assessed in females with Rett Syndrome (RS) (n063), using an adapted Dutch version of the 'Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence' . Also, incontinence in RS was compared to a control group consisting of females with non-specific (mixed) intellectual disability (n026). Urinary incontinence (UI) (i.e., daytime incontinence and nocturnal enuresis) and faecal incontinence (FI) were found to be common problems among females with RS that occur in a high frequency of days/nights. UI and FI were mostly primary in nature and occur independent of participants' age and level of adaptive functioning. Solid stool, lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary tract infections (UTI's) were also common problems in females with RS. No differences in incontinence between RS and the control group were found, except for solid stool that was more common in RS than in the control group. It is concluded that incontinence is not part of the behavioural phenotype of RS, but that there is an increased risk for solid stool in females with RS.
Evidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 2014
ABSTRACT This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Luczy... more ABSTRACT This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Luczynski, K. C., & Hanley, G. P. (2013). Prevention of problem behavior by teaching functional communication and self-control skills to preschoolers. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 355–368.
ABSTRACT This chapter provides a review and discussion of research involving the use of assistive... more ABSTRACT This chapter provides a review and discussion of research involving the use of assistive technology in the education and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Specifically, research involving assistive technology to support or improve the: (a) communication skills, (b) social arid emotional skills, and (c) daily living and other adaptive skills of people with ASD. For each of these areas, the studies are analyzed and summarized in terms of participant characteristics, dependent variables, intervention components, and outcomes. The aim of these summaries is to guide practitioners and researchers in their efforts to make effective use of assistive technology for improving the quality of life of people with ASD.
This study compares intervention delivered by a therapist to intervention delivered using an iPad... more This study compares intervention delivered by a therapist to intervention delivered using an iPad for two children with autism. Further, this study evaluates the influence of choice between the conditions. Time on-task, challenging behaviour, session duration and correct responses were compared across conditions in an alternating treatment design. The effect of choice was evaluated in an ABAB design. The iPad was associated with shorter intervention sessions, more time on-task and less challenging behaviour for one participant. There was no difference between conditions for the second participant. Both participants selected the iPad when given the choice and, although the effect of choice was modest, choosing was associated with more time on-task and less challenging behaviour. These data suggest that iPad-assisted intervention can be as effective as therapist-implemented intervention. Further, even for children for whom no differences between the interventions exist, offering a choice may be beneficial.
ABSTRACT This chapter provides a selective overview of the use of assistive technology used to su... more ABSTRACT This chapter provides a selective overview of the use of assistive technology used to support persons with diverse abilities who engage in problem behavior. By it is nature this is a very broad topic and incorporates a wide array of populations and assistive technologies strategies. The chapter begins with a description and definition of problem behavior. Next is an overview of the characteristics of the populations that have received assistive technology interventions to treat problem behavior. This overview of population characteristics will enhance the reader’s understanding of the nature of problem behavior and also provide a deeper understanding of the rationale for the use of various assistive technologies in the following section of the chapter. The next section of the chapter provides a selective overview of the assistive technologies used to manage problem behavior. Assistive technology strategies will be divided into two general categories—those that focus on (a) antecedent cue or self-control strategies (enhancing stimulus control of adaptive behavior and/or teaching persons to monitor their own behavior) and (b) consequence strategies (providing consequences contingent upon problem behavior or teaching persons to use appropriate communication to access desired consequences). The final section provides an overview of the clinical and academic implications of the use of assistive technologies to support persons with behavior problems.
This study aimed to teach individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and limited vocal speec... more This study aimed to teach individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and limited vocal speech to emit target vocalizations while using a speech-generating device (SGD). Of the 4 participants, 3 began emitting vocal word approximations with SGD responses after vocal instructional methods (delays, differential reinforcement, prompting) were introduced. Two participants met mastery criterion with a reinforcer delay and differential reinforcement, and 1 met criterion after fading an echoic model and prompt delay. For these participants, vocalizations initiated before speech outputs were shown to increase, and vocalizations generalized to a context in which the SGD was absent. The 4th participant showed high vocalization rates only when prompted. The results suggest that adding vocal instruction to an SGD-based intervention can increase vocalizations emitted along with SGD responses for some individuals with ASD.
This editorial provides a brief history of the journal Developmental Neurorehabilitation and desc... more This editorial provides a brief history of the journal Developmental Neurorehabilitation and describes changes occurring as the journal transitions from Informa Health Care to Taylor & Francis publishing company. The changes described include (a) revised and expanded description of the journal's aims and scope; (b) addition of 10 new positions for editorial board members; and (c) improved manuscript submission procedures. These improvements are possible and necessary given the journal's increased rate of submissions. The journal's impact factor (2.506), ranking in the field of rehabilitation, and decreasing percentage of submissions accepted for publication are discussed. The state of the journal is good and continuing to improve.
The purpose of this study was to extend the research on functional communication training by exam... more The purpose of this study was to extend the research on functional communication training by examining the use of a speech-generating device (SGD) for a 7-year-old child with autism and no spoken language who demonstrated inappropriate vocalizations that served multiple functions. An analog functional analysis was used to determine the function of the behavior and the potential viability of the
Research in developmental disabilities, Jan 30, 2015
Previous research has shown tangibly maintained challenging behavior can be temporarily decreased... more Previous research has shown tangibly maintained challenging behavior can be temporarily decreased by providing presession access to the relevant tangible. However, the duration of this beneficial effect is unknown. We measured the subsequent duration of behavior reduction effects following presession access during extended classroom observation sessions by analyzing within-session patterns of responding in three children with autism. An alternating treatments design was used to analyze within- and across-session responding following presession access and presession restriction conditions. The cumulative frequency of challenging behavior was higher following the presession restriction condition for all participants and lower following presession access. Within-session analysis revealed the same basic pattern of responding across participants. Specifically, the first half of the sessions contained very little, if any, challenging behavior; however, after 60min, the rate of challenging...
A multiple baseline design across participants was used to demonstrate the effects of a script-tr... more A multiple baseline design across participants was used to demonstrate the effects of a script-training procedure on the peer-to-peer communication of 3 children with autism spectrum disorder during group play with peers. Both scripted and unscripted initiations as well as responses to peers increased for all 3 participants. Stimulus generalization across novel toys, settings, and peers was observed. Novel unscripted initiations, responses, and appropriate changes in topics during peer-to-peer exchanges were analyzed by considering the cumulative frequency of these behaviors across phases of the study. Treatment gains were maintained during 4-week follow-up sessions. Results are discussed in terms of recommendations for practitioners, response variability, and potential future avenues of research.
This study assessed technology-aided programs for helping two post-coma persons, who had emerged ... more This study assessed technology-aided programs for helping two post-coma persons, who had emerged from a minimally conscious state and were affected by multiple disabilities, to (a) engage with leisure stimuli and request caregiver's procedures, (b) send out and listen to text messages for communication with distant partners, and (c) combine leisure engagement and procedure requests with text messaging within the same sessions. The program for leisure engagement and procedure requests relied on the use of a portable computer with commercial software, and a microswitch for the participants' response. The program for text messaging communication involved the use of a portable computer, a GSM modem, a microswitch for the participants' response, and specifically developed software. Results indicated that the participants were successful at each of the three stages of the study, thus providing relevant evidence concerning performance achievements only minimally documented. The...
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 2009
The purpose of this study was to extend the research on functional communication training by exam... more The purpose of this study was to extend the research on functional communication training by examining the use of a speech-generating device (SGD) for a 7-year-old child with autism and no spoken language who demonstrated inappropriate vocalizations that served multiple functions. An analog functional analysis was used to determine the function of the behavior and the potential viability of the
A critical review of:
Chen. G. M., Yoder, K. J., Ganzel, B. L., Goodwin, M. S., & Belmonte, M. K.... more A critical review of: Chen. G. M., Yoder, K. J., Ganzel, B. L., Goodwin, M. S., & Belmonte, M. K. (2012). Harnessing repetitive behaviors to engage attention and learning in a novel therapy for autism: an exploratory analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 1-16.
Abstract Objective: The purpose of this translational review (i.e. moving from basic primate rese... more Abstract Objective: The purpose of this translational review (i.e. moving from basic primate research toward possible human applications) was to summarize non-human primate literature on anxiety to inform the development of future assessments of anxiety in non-verbal individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Systematic searches of databases identified 67 studies that met inclusion criteria. Each study was analysed and summarised in terms of (a) strategies used to evoke anxiety, (b) non-verbal behavioural indicators of anxiety and (c) physiological indicators of anxiety. Results: Eighteen strategies were used to evoke anxiety, 48 non-verbal behavioural indicators and 17 physiological indicators of anxiety were measured. Conclusions: A number of the strategies used with non-human primates, if modified carefully, could be considered in the ongoing effort to study anxiety in individuals with ASD. Potential applications to the assessment of anxiety in humans with ASD are discussed.
Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 2012
Frequency and type of incontinence and its association with other variables were assessed in fema... more Frequency and type of incontinence and its association with other variables were assessed in females with Rett Syndrome (RS) (n063), using an adapted Dutch version of the 'Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence' . Also, incontinence in RS was compared to a control group consisting of females with non-specific (mixed) intellectual disability (n026). Urinary incontinence (UI) (i.e., daytime incontinence and nocturnal enuresis) and faecal incontinence (FI) were found to be common problems among females with RS that occur in a high frequency of days/nights. UI and FI were mostly primary in nature and occur independent of participants' age and level of adaptive functioning. Solid stool, lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary tract infections (UTI's) were also common problems in females with RS. No differences in incontinence between RS and the control group were found, except for solid stool that was more common in RS than in the control group. It is concluded that incontinence is not part of the behavioural phenotype of RS, but that there is an increased risk for solid stool in females with RS.
Evidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 2014
ABSTRACT This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Luczy... more ABSTRACT This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Luczynski, K. C., & Hanley, G. P. (2013). Prevention of problem behavior by teaching functional communication and self-control skills to preschoolers. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 355–368.
ABSTRACT This chapter provides a review and discussion of research involving the use of assistive... more ABSTRACT This chapter provides a review and discussion of research involving the use of assistive technology in the education and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Specifically, research involving assistive technology to support or improve the: (a) communication skills, (b) social arid emotional skills, and (c) daily living and other adaptive skills of people with ASD. For each of these areas, the studies are analyzed and summarized in terms of participant characteristics, dependent variables, intervention components, and outcomes. The aim of these summaries is to guide practitioners and researchers in their efforts to make effective use of assistive technology for improving the quality of life of people with ASD.
This study compares intervention delivered by a therapist to intervention delivered using an iPad... more This study compares intervention delivered by a therapist to intervention delivered using an iPad for two children with autism. Further, this study evaluates the influence of choice between the conditions. Time on-task, challenging behaviour, session duration and correct responses were compared across conditions in an alternating treatment design. The effect of choice was evaluated in an ABAB design. The iPad was associated with shorter intervention sessions, more time on-task and less challenging behaviour for one participant. There was no difference between conditions for the second participant. Both participants selected the iPad when given the choice and, although the effect of choice was modest, choosing was associated with more time on-task and less challenging behaviour. These data suggest that iPad-assisted intervention can be as effective as therapist-implemented intervention. Further, even for children for whom no differences between the interventions exist, offering a choice may be beneficial.
ABSTRACT This chapter provides a selective overview of the use of assistive technology used to su... more ABSTRACT This chapter provides a selective overview of the use of assistive technology used to support persons with diverse abilities who engage in problem behavior. By it is nature this is a very broad topic and incorporates a wide array of populations and assistive technologies strategies. The chapter begins with a description and definition of problem behavior. Next is an overview of the characteristics of the populations that have received assistive technology interventions to treat problem behavior. This overview of population characteristics will enhance the reader’s understanding of the nature of problem behavior and also provide a deeper understanding of the rationale for the use of various assistive technologies in the following section of the chapter. The next section of the chapter provides a selective overview of the assistive technologies used to manage problem behavior. Assistive technology strategies will be divided into two general categories—those that focus on (a) antecedent cue or self-control strategies (enhancing stimulus control of adaptive behavior and/or teaching persons to monitor their own behavior) and (b) consequence strategies (providing consequences contingent upon problem behavior or teaching persons to use appropriate communication to access desired consequences). The final section provides an overview of the clinical and academic implications of the use of assistive technologies to support persons with behavior problems.
This study aimed to teach individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and limited vocal speec... more This study aimed to teach individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and limited vocal speech to emit target vocalizations while using a speech-generating device (SGD). Of the 4 participants, 3 began emitting vocal word approximations with SGD responses after vocal instructional methods (delays, differential reinforcement, prompting) were introduced. Two participants met mastery criterion with a reinforcer delay and differential reinforcement, and 1 met criterion after fading an echoic model and prompt delay. For these participants, vocalizations initiated before speech outputs were shown to increase, and vocalizations generalized to a context in which the SGD was absent. The 4th participant showed high vocalization rates only when prompted. The results suggest that adding vocal instruction to an SGD-based intervention can increase vocalizations emitted along with SGD responses for some individuals with ASD.
This editorial provides a brief history of the journal Developmental Neurorehabilitation and desc... more This editorial provides a brief history of the journal Developmental Neurorehabilitation and describes changes occurring as the journal transitions from Informa Health Care to Taylor & Francis publishing company. The changes described include (a) revised and expanded description of the journal's aims and scope; (b) addition of 10 new positions for editorial board members; and (c) improved manuscript submission procedures. These improvements are possible and necessary given the journal's increased rate of submissions. The journal's impact factor (2.506), ranking in the field of rehabilitation, and decreasing percentage of submissions accepted for publication are discussed. The state of the journal is good and continuing to improve.
The purpose of this study was to extend the research on functional communication training by exam... more The purpose of this study was to extend the research on functional communication training by examining the use of a speech-generating device (SGD) for a 7-year-old child with autism and no spoken language who demonstrated inappropriate vocalizations that served multiple functions. An analog functional analysis was used to determine the function of the behavior and the potential viability of the
Research in developmental disabilities, Jan 30, 2015
Previous research has shown tangibly maintained challenging behavior can be temporarily decreased... more Previous research has shown tangibly maintained challenging behavior can be temporarily decreased by providing presession access to the relevant tangible. However, the duration of this beneficial effect is unknown. We measured the subsequent duration of behavior reduction effects following presession access during extended classroom observation sessions by analyzing within-session patterns of responding in three children with autism. An alternating treatments design was used to analyze within- and across-session responding following presession access and presession restriction conditions. The cumulative frequency of challenging behavior was higher following the presession restriction condition for all participants and lower following presession access. Within-session analysis revealed the same basic pattern of responding across participants. Specifically, the first half of the sessions contained very little, if any, challenging behavior; however, after 60min, the rate of challenging...
A multiple baseline design across participants was used to demonstrate the effects of a script-tr... more A multiple baseline design across participants was used to demonstrate the effects of a script-training procedure on the peer-to-peer communication of 3 children with autism spectrum disorder during group play with peers. Both scripted and unscripted initiations as well as responses to peers increased for all 3 participants. Stimulus generalization across novel toys, settings, and peers was observed. Novel unscripted initiations, responses, and appropriate changes in topics during peer-to-peer exchanges were analyzed by considering the cumulative frequency of these behaviors across phases of the study. Treatment gains were maintained during 4-week follow-up sessions. Results are discussed in terms of recommendations for practitioners, response variability, and potential future avenues of research.
This study assessed technology-aided programs for helping two post-coma persons, who had emerged ... more This study assessed technology-aided programs for helping two post-coma persons, who had emerged from a minimally conscious state and were affected by multiple disabilities, to (a) engage with leisure stimuli and request caregiver's procedures, (b) send out and listen to text messages for communication with distant partners, and (c) combine leisure engagement and procedure requests with text messaging within the same sessions. The program for leisure engagement and procedure requests relied on the use of a portable computer with commercial software, and a microswitch for the participants' response. The program for text messaging communication involved the use of a portable computer, a GSM modem, a microswitch for the participants' response, and specifically developed software. Results indicated that the participants were successful at each of the three stages of the study, thus providing relevant evidence concerning performance achievements only minimally documented. The...
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 2009
The purpose of this study was to extend the research on functional communication training by exam... more The purpose of this study was to extend the research on functional communication training by examining the use of a speech-generating device (SGD) for a 7-year-old child with autism and no spoken language who demonstrated inappropriate vocalizations that served multiple functions. An analog functional analysis was used to determine the function of the behavior and the potential viability of the
A critical review of:
Chen. G. M., Yoder, K. J., Ganzel, B. L., Goodwin, M. S., & Belmonte, M. K.... more A critical review of: Chen. G. M., Yoder, K. J., Ganzel, B. L., Goodwin, M. S., & Belmonte, M. K. (2012). Harnessing repetitive behaviors to engage attention and learning in a novel therapy for autism: an exploratory analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 1-16.
Abstract Objective: The purpose of this translational review (i.e. moving from basic primate rese... more Abstract Objective: The purpose of this translational review (i.e. moving from basic primate research toward possible human applications) was to summarize non-human primate literature on anxiety to inform the development of future assessments of anxiety in non-verbal individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Systematic searches of databases identified 67 studies that met inclusion criteria. Each study was analysed and summarised in terms of (a) strategies used to evoke anxiety, (b) non-verbal behavioural indicators of anxiety and (c) physiological indicators of anxiety. Results: Eighteen strategies were used to evoke anxiety, 48 non-verbal behavioural indicators and 17 physiological indicators of anxiety were measured. Conclusions: A number of the strategies used with non-human primates, if modified carefully, could be considered in the ongoing effort to study anxiety in individuals with ASD. Potential applications to the assessment of anxiety in humans with ASD are discussed.
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Papers by Russell Lang
Chen. G. M., Yoder, K. J., Ganzel, B. L., Goodwin, M. S., & Belmonte, M. K. (2012). Harnessing repetitive behaviors to engage attention and learning in a novel therapy for autism: an exploratory analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 1-16.
Chen. G. M., Yoder, K. J., Ganzel, B. L., Goodwin, M. S., & Belmonte, M. K. (2012). Harnessing repetitive behaviors to engage attention and learning in a novel therapy for autism: an exploratory analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 1-16.