Optimizing Dimensions of Reinforcement

Launched by AUBURN UNIVERSITY · Aug 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at how different ways of giving rewards can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) learn new skills and stay motivated. Participants will take part in simple, structured learning sessions where they complete easy tasks and receive rewards. By changing how often and how much they are rewarded, researchers hope to find the best ways to support learning and behavior. This could lead to better teaching methods and support for people with IDD in the future. The study does not involve any medications or medical treatments.

To join the study, participants need to be at least 6 years old, have a diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition, and show certain behaviors like aggression or self-injury during the sessions. They should be able to follow simple instructions and take part in tabletop tasks where they make choices. People with severe physical or sensory difficulties that make these tasks hard, or those currently in other similar behavior studies, may not be able to participate. Participants will complete all scheduled sessions and must give consent themselves or through a legal representative. This trial is currently looking for volunteers and includes people of all genders.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Participants must be at least 6 years of age, have a documented neurodevelopmental condition, and engage in problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that can be measured during study sessions. They must be able to follow simple instructions and participate in tabletop choice-based tasks. Participants must be available to complete all scheduled study sessions and provide informed consent themselves or through a legally authorized representative. Individuals will be excluded if they have severe sensory or motor impairments that would prevent participation in the tabletop tasks, are currently or have recently (within the past 30 days) participated in another interventional behavioral research study that could interfere with study outcomes, or have medical or behavioral conditions judged by the investigators to pose a safety risk or interfere with data collection.