Effects of response preference on resistance to change.

Treatments based on differential reinforcement of alternative behavior, such as functional communication training, are widely used. Research regarding the maintenance of related treatment effects is limited. Nevin and Wacker (2013) provided a conceptual framework, rooted in behavioral momentum theory, for the study of treatment maintenance that addressed two components: (a) reemergence of problem behavior, and (b) continued expression of appropriate behavior. In the few studies on this topic, focus has been on variables impacting the reemergence of problem behavior, with fewer studies evaluating the persistence of appropriate behavior. Given the findings from applied research related to functional communication training, variables related to response topography, such as response preference, may impact this aspect of maintenance. In the current study, the impact of response preference on persistence was evaluated in the context of functional communication training for individuals who did not exhibit problem behavior (Experiment 1) and for individuals with a history of reinforcement for problem behavior (Experiment 2). High-preferred mands were more persistent than low-preferred mands. These findings suggest that response related variables, such as response preference, impact response persistence and further suggest that response related variables should be considered when developing interventions such as functional communication training.

Further Demonstrations of Individual Preference among Mand Modalities during Functional Communication Training.

Previous research related to functional communication training has demonstrated its effectiveness across various communication modalities. Additionally, at least one study has demonstrated that, while the intervention can be effective across various communication modalities, individual participants demonstrate a preference among available communication modalities (indicated by response allocation under a concurrent schedules arrangement). The current study evaluated preference among concurrently available communication modalities for 18 individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Results of the study indicated that each of the individuals demonstrated a preference between communicative response modalities, though preference was not always immediately ascertained. The results are discussed within the context of implications for design and implementation of functional communication training.