ASSESSING EFFECTIVENESS OF ACCESS TO CHOSEN PREFERRED MUSIC ON THE OFF-TASK BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS WITH AUTISM OR OTHER SELF-REGULATION DEFICITS DURING INDEPENDENT WORK TASK

A need exists for development of strategies to help students with ASD or other self-regulation deficits multitask more efficiently. In the following study, effects of access to non-contingent chosen preferred music on off-task behavior during a neutral independent work task (math fact practice) were determined using an alternating treatments design compared to teacher choice, headphones, and baseline conditions. Frequency of disruption and correct math facts completed were determined each session. Results were evaluated using percent of non-overlapping data points and the most successful intervention in a “best alone” condition was established. Results are discussed and implications for practice recommended.

INDEX WORDS: Autism, Noncontingent Reinforcement, On task Behavior, Off task behavior, Background Music, Self-regulation