The use of noncontingent escape to reduce disruptive behaviors in children with speech delays.

Three preschoolers with speech delays kept melting down during speech therapy.

The speech therapist gave them a 2-minute break every 5 minutes no matter what.

No demands, no tokens, just free play on a set schedule.

The researchers counted how often the kids screamed, hit, or ran away.

Disruptive behavior dropped to almost zero after the first session.

All three kids also started following more directions.

The therapist only needed a kitchen timer and a corner with toys.

Gains held for the whole the study period.

Perez et al. (2015) later showed parents can run a different plan—FCT over Zoom—and still cut problem behavior a large share.

Gevarter et al. (2021) proved one virtual coaching call is enough for parents to boost toddler communication.

Together the three studies say: you don’t need a BCBA in the room if the plan is simple and the adult gets quick coaching.

Allen et al. (2001) used teacher-led FCT in preschool and saw the same drop in disruption, but they taught the child to ask for a break; here the break came free, yet the result looked the same.

If you consult for speech clinics or preschools, hand them a timer and this recipe: break every 5 minutes, no questions asked.

It works even when the adult has never heard of reinforcement schedules.

Use it as a bridge while you train the team on fancier plans like FCT.