The Effects of Contingent versus Non-Contingent Running on the Out-of-Seat Behavior of an Autistic Boy

Abstract

The impact of contingent versus non-contingent running upon the out-of-state behaviors of a seven year old autistic boy were studies in a reversal design. Following a five day baseline in which episodes of out-of-seat behavior were simply counted, five days of contingent jogging were introduced; this was followed by a five day baseline, five days of noncontingent jogging, and 11 days of contingent jogging. The results showed that contingent, but not noncontingent, jogging lead to a significant decline in frequency of out-of-seat behavior that was maintained for 12 months. These data are discussed in relation to other research on the beneficial effects of contingent exercise. Unlike many other behavior suppression techniques, contingent exercise is safe and does not pose a risk of humiliation of the client