Self-stimulating behavior: the use of over-correction and reinforcement in a case of mental handicap

Abstract

Over-correction (positive practice or combination of verbal instructions and physical guide) proved to be an effective method for the modification of a mentally handicapped person's behaviour. In this paper, the effectiveness of positive reinforcement for the reduction of the behavioural disorder is also analyzed. Reinforcement was administered after a time criterion without behaviour was reached. Treatment was progressively efective, having required initially a complete physical guide, that was replaced by a partial guide and, finally, by verbal instructions. The therapeutical help of a classroom assistant acting as cotherapist during the final phases demonstrated the easiness of treatment implementation, good results and interesting possibilities in relation to its applications at school.