Decreasing problem behavior associated with a walking program for an individual with developmental and physical disabilities.

A man with developmental and physical disabilities hit himself during walks.

Staff noticed the self-injury stopped as soon as they gave him physical contact.

The team tested what would happen if they withheld that contact during future walks.

When staff no longer touched him after self-injury, the behavior dropped fast.

Walks could continue safely without protective gear or extra staff.

Davis et al. (1994) showed extinction only works when you block the real reinforcer. The walking study followed that rule by removing the exact contact the man wanted.

Hatton et al. (1999) looked at 41 cases and saw bursts or aggression in half when extinction was used alone. The single walking case stayed calm, probably because it was brief and well-planned.

Tereshko et al. (2017) later added protective equipment for escape-maintained head hitting and still got 18-month success. The walking study proves you can skip the gear when the reinforcer is simple adult touch.

If your client’s self-injury brings adult contact, try withholding that contact first. One quick functional test during a walk can show you the payoff. Keep the plan tight, watch for bursts, and you may avoid heavier gear or drugs.