Functional Analysis and Treatment of Stereotypic Saliva-Play in One Adolescent with Autism

自閉症者玩口水的固著行為之功能分析與介入

本研究共有三個子研究，採功能分析的方法，試圖找出影響一位自閉症學童玩口水行為（saliva-play）的原因，再進行適當的介入處理。研究一、以類似功能分析（analogue functional analysis）從操弄四種情境，來分析該學童玩口水的行為是否具有逃避工作的要求、引起他人的注意、或造成自我感官刺激的功能。研究二、進一步地以功能分析操弄遮蔽情境，來分析造成此學童玩口水行為的感官功能。研究三、使用跨制約功能的多基準線設計來評估喜愛物及非後效增強（noncontingent reinforcement） 對玩口水的介入效果。研究顯示：多重增強對該學童玩口水的固著行為有決定性的影響，該學童玩口水的行為可能與觸覺刺激或社會性的注意有關。呈現最喜歡的物品或非後效增強可以成功地減少該學童玩口水的行為。

The current study included three experiments that functionally analyzed one autistic student’s stereotypic saliva-play. An analogue functional analysis was used in Experiment 1 to detect the function of the student’s saliva-playing stereotype which might serve to escape from task demands， obtain attention from others， or produce sensory self-stimulation. An analysis of sensory modalities was conducted in Experiment 2 to further analyze the possible sensory consequences causing the student's saliva-play behavior. A multiple baseline design across operant functions was used to evaluate the effects of prefer items and noncontingent reinforcement on the student’s stereotypic saliva-play behavior. Results of the current study demonstrated multiple reinforcements were a determinant of stereotype in this student. The specific functions of this student’s stereotypic saliva-play might be maintained by tactile stimulation and social attention. The most preferred object or noncontingent reinforcement may successfully reduce this student’s saliva-play behavior.