Effects of response blocking and competing stimuli on stereotypic behavior

The effects of response blocking and competing stimuli on stereotypy and aggression were examined in an analysis conducted with a young girl diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability. A functional analysis of the stereotypic behavior revealed that blocking stereotypy increased aggression. The treatment analysis revealed that the provision of competing stimuli, without response blocking resulted in decreases in both topographies. Findings suggest that the provision of competing stimuli may be less likely to occasion other behaviors than blocking. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.