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Abstract
Schedule thinning following functional communication training (FCT) can strengthen the applied characteristics of this intervention in natural environments. Previous research has examined the effects of diverse schedule thinning procedures. Specifically, Chesbrough et al. (2024) compared the effects of dense-to-lean (DTL) and fixed-lean (FL) thinning methods on achieving a terminal schedule. The current study adapted Chesbrough et al. (2024) procedures to extend the schedule thinning literature, examining the effects of a systematic method of thinning. Terminal probes set the SD and S time parameters for the components of the multiple schedules. Further probes followed mastery of each multiple schedule condition, with zero instances of elopement. Subsequent probes aimed to see natural increases in tolerance to the unavailability of reinforcement, thereby adjusting multiple schedules in a data-based manner to achieve the terminal schedule. A multiple probe design with an embedded ABAB design evaluated the effects of treatment across two settings. Following successful DRA with extinction sessions, terminal probe informed schedule thinning sessions proved effective. However, as time in the S increased, it became more difficult to achieve zero levels of elopement.