The long term successful treatment of the very severe behaviors of a preadolescent with autism

A program was developed for reducing the severe behavior (aggression, self-injury, dangerous behavior, disruptive behavior, induced vomiting and inappropriate toileting) of a 12-year-old boy with autism. The boy was a Romanian orphan who was adopted by American parents at age 2. All previous interventions had been ineffective including prolonged hospitalization. The program included a high density of positive reinforcement, tokens, choice making, contingent exercise, and overcorrection. Treatment occurred across three sites, home, a community-based site, and a self-contained classroom in a public school. All of the boy's severe behaviors were reduced to at or near zero levels and these effects have been maintained for 2 years. He has made excellent progress in a number of academic areas and his social skills have increased dramatically.