Description of the Strategy

Response blocking refers to physically preventing a maladaptive behavior from occurring. Examples of maladaptive behavior include self-injury (e.g., eye poking), pica, aggression, throwing objects, loud clapping, inappropriate touching, and mouthing (i.e., placing one's mouth on inedible surfaces). Typically, a clearly visible motor response is required for response blocking [Page 1001]to be used. In many cases, maladaptive behaviors are maintained by sensory reinforcement or a desire for tactile, auditory, visual, or other stimulation. As a result, maladaptive behaviors often become habitual, automatic responses that are not easily self-controlled. Response blocking is often utilized, therefore, as a means of preventing a maladaptive response and providing feedback to the person that the behavior has occurred. Because maladaptive behaviors can also be maintained ...