A Brief Report of Time-on-Task Behavior in a Child With Autism: Comparing Material and Social Reinforcement in the Home Environment.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) involves the use of reinforcement to increase appropriate behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD often struggle to remain on-task when completing assignments in the academic setting. However, few studies have explored on-task behavior and attention to academic tasks in the home environment. The present research utilized a case study design and compared the relative effectiveness of material versus social reinforcement on in-home time-on-task behavior in an individual with high-functioning autism (HFA). Results indicated that the participant engaged in a higher percentage of time-on-task behaviors with the use of material reinforcement than social reinforcement in the home environment. Additionally, the participant engaged in more time-on-task behaviors over time with the use of material reinforcement, and less time-on-task behavior over time with the use of social reinforcement. These findings suggested that positive rein forcement may be an effective tool for increasing academic task motivation and on-task behavior in children with HFA. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]