Increasing on-task behaviour through interruption-prompting.

This study was designed to assess the effects of response-contingent interruption-prompting of stereotypic behaviour on on-task behaviour, inactivity and inappropriate behaviour. Also, the relationship between these behaviours was investigated. Five individuals with severe intellectual disability and autism participated. Data were collected within a reversal design. The results showed a statistically significant increase of on-task behaviour when interruption-prompting of stereotypic behaviour was in effect. Inactivity was statistically related to inappropriate behaviour. In terms of the continuous effort to identify procedures that are least intrusive for the client to attain behaviour improvement, it is suggested that interruption-prompting of stereotypic behaviour may be a reasonable choice for practicians.