Use of Self-Operated Auditory Prompts to Decrease Off-Task Behavior for a Student with Autism and Moderate Mental Retardation

The use of a self-operated auditory prompting system by a 12-year-old student with autism and moderate mental retardation to decrease inappropriate and off-task behavior was examined in two settings. The effectiveness of the prompting system was assessed using a multiple probe across settings design with an embedded withdrawal in each setting. An analysis of the data indicated a significant decrease in the number of teacher-delivered prompts required by the student to engage in appropriate behavior and remain on task. In this investigation, the self-operated auditory prompting system served as the stimulus control for the student's appropriate and on-task behavior, its use generalized across settings without additional training, and it was successfully used by a student with autism and moderate mental retardation.