Promoting Generalisation of Appropriate Behaviour Across Special and Mainstream Settings: A case study

Summary A young child with an intellectual impairment was trained in a self management procedure in an attempt to ameliorate inappropriate classroom behaviours which were preventing his full integration into mainstream classes. A structured programme utilising countoons (stick figure drawings) to demonstrate specific behaviour to be self monitored was introduced in the special education facility where the participant received the majority of his education. Coloured stickers which were highly reinforcing were self administered by the participant when he exhibited the desired behaviours. Observations carried out in the special education facility and in a mainstream class to test for generalisation revealed reductions in the frequency of inappropriate behaviours in both settings. Follow up observations revealed behaviour maintenance in the special education facility whilst further reductions were recorded in the mainstream class.