Reducing Attention Maintained Bizarre Speech in an Adult Woman

Differential reinforcement for alternative behaviors and extinction for bizarre speech were used as a behavior intervention protocol for a 45-year-old woman living in a residential group-home setting. A functional behavior assessment consisting of behavioral interviews and direct observation suggested bizarre speech was maintained by attention from staff. Partial interval recording method was used to assess percentage of intervals engaged in the target behavior. Results showed a decrease in intervals engaged in bizarre speech from baseline (52%) to follow-up (4%).