RIRD is used to reduce repetitive and stereotypical behaviors that interfere with daily life.
It consists of two main components: response interruption and redirection.
Components of RIRD
Response Interruption
Involves efforts to prevent the behavior from occurring.
Example: A teacher may block a person's attempt to engage in a self-injurious behavior like skin scraping.
Redirection
Follows interruption, prompting the individual to engage in an alternative behavior.
Sometimes incorporates additional components like a token economy or prompting.
Behavioral Mechanisms
Punishment: Blocking attempts acts as a form of punishment, reducing target behavior occurrence.
Differential Reinforcement: Reinforces alternative responses through redirection.
Considerations for Implementation
Severity and Behavioral Function
Suitable for minimally risky behaviors; protective equipment may be needed for behaviors causing tissue damage.
Consider the function of stereotypical behaviors; if they are coping mechanisms and not dangerous, intervention may not be justified.
Important to assess behaviors not targeted by RIRD to prevent their increase.
Context and Practicality
Requires high availability of implementer, may not be feasible for caregivers with other tasks.
Recommended to start in a clinical setting, then generalize if effective.
Effectiveness may vary; careful consideration is advised before implementation.
Conclusion
RIRD is a structured intervention designed to manage specific behaviors but should be implemented with careful consideration of the individual's needs and the context.
Not all stereotypical behaviors require intervention, particularly if they do not pose a danger or significant disruption.