Enhancing activity engagement in persons with multiple disabilities by adding prompts to contingent stimulation: two single-case studies

The present two single-case studies assessed the use of automatic prompting/encouragement with two adults with extensive multiple disabilities. In both studies, the prompt/encouragement events consisted of one- or two-word statements that followed the stimulation occurring contingent on the activity responses during the intervention phases of the study. Stimulation and prompt/encouragement events were regulated through a technology- aided program. Study I involved an ABCACABC sequence, in which A represented baseline phases, B intervention phases with stimulation contingent on activity responses, and C intervention phases with stimulation and prompt/encouragement statements. Study II involved a CBC sequence. The results of both studies showed improvements in the participants' performance during the C phases (i.e., the length of the sessions decreased and virtually no guidance from the research assistants was required). Implications of the findings were discussed.