Embedding Choice in the Context of Daily Routines: An Experimental Case Study

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the effect of individualized, embedded choice opportunities in daily routines on the task initiations and protests by one man with severe disabilities. An initial functional analysis conducted during Phase 1 revealed that low rates of participation and high rates of protests in household activities were related to prompts that offered no control. Subsequently in Phase 2, we modified prompts within three different routines to provide greater control through choice. Within the context of an A-B-A-B design, the effects of a “traditional” no-choice versus choice task analysis were evaluated in each routine across three staff. The results demonstrated that when routines included opportunities for choice, task initiations were high, whereas protests, including severe aggression, were virtually eliminated. These results are discussed in relation to their implications for participant control, individualizing choice opportunities, embedding choice in daily routines, and the prevention of problem behaviors.