Project Purpose

Main Topic Index

I. What is Challenging Behavior?

II. Functional Behavior Assessment

III. Overview of Intervention Strategies

IV. Communicative Alternatives

V. Implementing Antecedent-Based Strategies

Implementing Antecedent-Based Interventions:
Tolerance for Delay          

What is tolerance for delay of reinforcement?

Tolerance for delay of reinforcement is a strategy to influence challenging behavior by cuing the child and providing reinforcement contingent on continued participation in a requested activity. Thus, release from the activity, delivery of a preferred item, or delivery of attention (all determined to be reinforcers) will be granted only if the child continues to participate in a specified activity without engaging in challenging behavior. A tolerance for delay program may be used to address challenging behaviors produced to gain access to preferred items, activities, or attention.

The procedure is comprised of two different cues: a delay cue and a safety signal.

• Delay cue: This is a verbal, gestural, or graphic signal given to the child to indicate that participation in the task is about to be terminated or a preferred item/event is about to be delivered, contingent on continued socially acceptable behavior.
• Safety signal: This is a verbal, gestural, or graphic signal given to indicate the delivery or onset of reinforcement (i.e., release from the task, delivery of a preferred item, or attention).

Who would benefit from implementing the tolerance for delay of reinforcement strategy?

Teaching a tolerance for delay of reinforcement is useful when children engage in challenging behavior to: