Use of similar sensory stimuli in the community-based treatment of self-stimulatory behavior in an adult disabled by autism.

The suppressive effects of frequent access to olfactory stimulation on the olfactory self-stimulatory behavior of a woman severely disabled by autism were investigated in a noninstitutional community setting. The results indicated that a reduction in self-stimulation could be achieved by frequent presentation of alternative olfactory stimulation, and that direct care staff in a group home setting could successfully apply the strategy. Fourteen months after the onset of treatment the target behavior remained suppressed.