Increasing Flexibility in School-Aged Autistic Children Using Self-Management and Positive Reinforce

This study examines whether reinforcer-based motivational strategies can increase flexibility in daily tasks among autistic children. A reinforcer-based intervention will teach children to practice flexibility through instructions and role-play at first with immediate reinforcement and later a point-based reinforcer system. Caregivers will be trained to implement the procedures in home settings to promote generalization. Baseline and intervention sessions will be video-recorded and changes in flexible behavior, challenging behavior, and caregiver stress will be evaluated using visual analysis and pre-/post-intervention surveys. Findings will provide insight into the effectiveness and feasibility of using reinforcers to reduce inflexibility in everyday routines.