A comparison of intervention for problematic speech using reinforcement with and without preferred topics
Differential reinforcement with listener interest alone cuts problematic speech just as well as adding favorite topics, so let client preference—not extra prep—guide you.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team compared two ways to cut problematic speech. Both used differential reinforcement with listener interest. One version added short chats about the kid’s favorite topic. The other skipped the extra talk.
They ran an alternating-treatments design with children who had developmental delays. Sessions flipped between the two setups so each child served as their own control.
What they found
Problematic speech dropped the same amount in both setups. Adding preferred conversation topics did not boost the effect.
When the kids picked which version they liked, they chose the one with the extra talk. So the add-on helped satisfaction, not behavior change.
How this fits with other research
Kronfli et al. (2024) extends this work. They show how to find topics that keep kids with ASD talking longer. Use their response-restriction conversation check before you decide to weave topics into DR.
Barton (1970) is a clear predecessor. That single-case study first used candy plus brief timeout to flip inappropriate speech to appropriate. Stocco keeps the reinforcement core but swaps timeout for listener interest.
Berth et al. (2019) used a similar alternating style in feeding treatment. They also found that extra reinforcement steps can stabilize gains when escape extinction is needed. The pattern is the same: DR works; add-ons help comfort, not always outcome.
Why it matters
You can save time and still get results. Use simple differential reinforcement with attentive listening. Skip hunting for the perfect topic unless the client wants it. Ask which version they prefer anyway—happy clients stick with treatment.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Previous research has shown that responding to the appropriate and problematic speech of individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities with interested and uninterested listener responses, respectively, can promote more appropriate conversational engagement. However, Fisher et al. (2013) also responded to appropriate speech with access to preferred conversational topics. This study examined the influence of listener interest on the problematic speech of 8 participants and tested the additive effects of (Study 1) and participant preference for (Study 2) delivering preferred topics as reinforcement for appropriate speech. Interventions were equally effective with or without arranging access to preferred topics, but a majority of participants demonstrated a preference for intervention with contingent access to preferred topics. Caregivers and speech-language pathologists rated the intervention procedures as acceptable and changes in participants' speech satisfactory.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2021 · doi:10.1002/jaba.770