ارزیابی اولویت و تقویت اثربخشی مولفه های تعامل اجتماعی در افراد مبتلا به اختلال طیف اوتیسم

We evaluated the degree to which social interactions are reinforcing for two individuals with autism spectrum disorder by comparing individual components (i.e., edible, vocal, and physical interaction) alone and in combination. First, we conducted preference assessments to determine preference hierarchies within three stimulus classes: edible, vocal, and physical interaction. Second, we evaluated preference for individual stimuli across these classes. Third, we examined the relative reinforcing efficacy of highly preferred stimuli assessed individually. Fourth, with individuals for whom physical and vocal stimuli served as reinforcers, we evaluated if adding the other component, physical or vocal, increased the effectiveness of that consequence as a reinforcer. Results suggested differences in the relative reinforcing efficacy of components of social interaction. Additionally, combining components to form compound stimuli produced idiosyncratic differences in relative rates of responding.