Comparing Effective Treatments for Attention-Maintained and Escape-Maintained Behaviors in Children with Behavior Disorders: Brief Review and Analysis

This literature review compares treatment for attention-maintained versus escape maintained aberrant behavior in children with behavior disorders. Specifically, studies utilizing time out procedures, differential reinforcement procedures, non-contingent reinforcement, and functional communication training are discussed. It was found that these are effective treatments for attention-maintained behaviors; while escape extinction, positive and negative reinforcement, functional communication training, breaks, and altering the non-preferred stimulus are discussed as effective treatments for escape-maintained behaviors. Similarities between treatment and implications for practitioners are discussed.