The long term successful treatment of the aggressive/destructive behaviors of a preadolescent with autism

A program was developed for reducing the aggressive/destructive behavior of a 13-year-old boy with autism. All previous interventions had been ineffective. The program included a high density of positive reinforcement, tokens, choice making, response cost, overcorrection, and physical restraint. Treatment occurred in a self-contained classroom at a school for children with special needs. All of the boy's aggressive/destructive behaviors were reduced to at or near zero levels and these effects have been maintained for over a year. He has made excellent progress in a number of academic areas.