The use of a preference assessment tool with young children diagnosed with autism

Abstract

Identifying reinforcers is crucial for many evidence-based behavior change programs. Videos may be a type of reinforcer worth considering given the accessibility of small electronic devices and the rates at which children watch and enjoy screen time. We used the Multiple-Stimulus-Without-Replacement Preference Assessment Tool (MSWO PAT) to identify high- and low-preferred videos for three children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We then evaluated the predictive validity of the MSWO PAT by arranging a concurrent-operants reinforcer assessment for puzzle and sorting tasks. The results show that the high-preferred video maintained higher levels of responding for puzzle and sorting tasks for two of the three children. Implications for using videos as reinforcers for children with ASD, limitations, and areas for future research are also discussed.