Plan for Rigidities
Client: Ramo
Preparer: JV
Rationale for Program: Research and previous experience with rigidities show that the most effective
procedures to reduce tantruming as a response to changes in routine or environment is to put all
tantrums on extinction, to use a FR1 schedule of reinforcement for appropriate behavior, and then lean
the reinforcement schedule. The procedure will be split into two categories: small changes and big
changes.
Definition of behavior: is defined as any instance where Ramo insists on following a specific routine,
maintaining the environment the way it is, returning the environment to the way it use to be, putting
items in a specific place, or using specific items for an activity. Ramo might show signs of being
anxious (starts repeating the same phrase over and over in an elevated tone of voice, starts crying,
starts pacing back and forth) he might drop to the ground, and he might try to physically return the
environment to the way that he wants it.
METHOD
Definition of small changes: Small changes are defined as changes to the environment that do not
require any effort on Ramo’s part (meaning that Ramo does not have to do anything besides be ok with
the change) and are very small in nature. Examples of small changes include: moving something in
Ramo’s room to a different area, moving items in other rooms to different areas, sitting in different
areas to work, leaving toys out, leaving items out that aren’t normally left out, leaving the arm rest up
in the van, turning fans or lights on that aren’t normally on, etc.
Procedure for small changes: Make the change to the environment. If Ramo tries to undo the change
or asks you to undo the change, tell him “change is ok” and DO NOT let him change the environment
back to the way it was before the change. You can acknowledge his request ONE time by saying “I
know you want….but we are going to leave it like this.” If Ramo tantrums (cries, whines, repeats the
same phrase over and over, drops to the floor, runs away, starts pacing) use behavioral momentum (ask
him to do high probability requests such as touching his head, raising his arms, saying his name, etc.)
to redirect him or redirect him by getting him involved in some other activity. It is possible that you
may need to use behavioral momentum first to get compliance and then choose another activity. If
Ramo does not tantrum, or when Ramo stops tantrumming provide him with verbal praise such as
“good job” “nice calming down” etc. It is also important to remember NOT to get in a physical
“battle” with Ramo over the change. You should use the least restrictive methods necessary to prevent
Ramo from changing the environment back (training will be provided on this).
Definition of large changes: Large changes are defined as changes to the environment that will
require more effort on Ramo’s part (i.e., he physically has to do something that he doesn’t normally
do) and they are very large in nature. Examples of large changes include: walking a different path in
the store, walking a different path around the pool, walking a different path in the neighborhood, going
a different path on the green machine, walking a different path to the car from a store, leaving a kicked
pine cone where it was kicked, being ok with changes in a store such as changing the carpet samples,
using a different bowl to eat out of, listening to “bedtime” music or books during the day, doing a step
of a routine out of order, leaving a cup in his bedroom instead of putting it right in the sink, etc.
Procedure for large changes: Before making the change to the environment provide Ramo with a list
of preferred items (coloring, crayons, paints, chips, green machine, bed, radio, etc) and ask him which
one he wants to work for. Make the change or instruct Ramo to make the change (if in the store you
would say “follow Mom”, if outside you would say “ok now walk this way,” etc). It is ok to remind
Ramo what he is working for “after you go this way, we are going to color” If Ramo asks to return the
environment to its previous state or tries to turn the environment to its previous state you can
acknowledge his request ONE time “I know you want …..but we are going to do it this way remember
you are working for……” Also tell Ramo “change is ok.” If Ramo tantrums (cries, whines, repeats the
same phrase over and over, drops to the floor, runs away, starts pacing) use behavioral momentum (ask
him to do high probability requests such as touching his head, raising his arms, saying his name, etc) to
redirect him or redirect him by getting him involved in some other activity. It is possible that you may
need to use behavioral momentum first to get compliance and then choose another activity. If Ramo
does not tantrum, or when Ramo stops tantrumming provide him with verbal praise such as “good job”
“nice calming down” etc. After Ramo completes the change required of him, immediately provide him
with the preferred item that he was working for. It is also important to remember NOT to get in a
physical “battle” with Ramo over the change. You should use the least restrictive methods necessary to
prevent Ramo from changing the environment back (training will be provided on this).
Leaning reinforcement for large changes: Once Ramo can successfully go three sessions in a row
without tantrumming after a large change, we will stop reinforcing on a FR1 schedule. We will fade
the reinforcement by using a FR2 schedule then after three consecutive days of no tantrums we will
fade to a FR3 then we will start a VR4 schedule and fade to a VR6 then a VR8 if necessary. We will
note on the data sheet when reinforcement should take place once we start leaning reinforcement.
DATA COLLECTION
A form will be provided that will include date, initial, setting, change that took place, Ramo’s reaction
to the change, duration and intensity of tantruming, and whether or not a reinforcer was delivered. All
people who work with Ramo in his home will keep data on this behavior. Ramo’s mother will be
trained to collect data as well and has agreed to keep data when staff are not there.
TREATMENT INTEGRITY
All persons working with Ramo and Ramo’s parents will be informed of these procedures and trained
to use the procedures. Changes will be made to the program if needed. Graphs will be updated weekly
and reviewed at least every 2 weeks to assess progress.
Rigidities Data Sheet
Date/Initial Setting Change made Response (duration and SR Reinforcer delivered
schedule
(Large or intensity)
small)
FR1