Further Evaluation of a Fixed-Lean Approach to Facilitate Schedule Thinning Following Functional Communication Training

Abstract

Multiple schedules are commonly used to thin the schedule of reinforcement following functional communication training (FCT). Approaches to multiple schedule thinning have included: progressively increasing the duration of the S^Δ, rapidly alternating S^D and S^Δ components, and immediate introduction of fixed-lean schedules. In this study we (a) further evaluated the efficacy of a fixed-lean schedule (multiple schedule 60 s/240 s) during multiple schedule thinning and (b) further characterized response patterns during sequential application of schedule thinning approaches. Two of three participants maintained low rates of problem behavior and discriminated mands during the fixed-lean phase whereas the third participant required a more progressive schedule thinning approach. Results are discussed in terms of relative contributions of different behavioral mechanisms (i.e., extinction, habituation, and stimulus control) and potential predictive factors for responsiveness to schedule thinning procedures.