A functional analysis suggested that rumination exhibited by an adult with autism was maintained by automatic reinforcement. Next, a preference assessment with three flavor sprays (i.e., flavored sprays used by dieters) showed that apple pie spray was most preferred. Finally, the effects of fixed-time delivery of the apple pie spray on levels of rumination were evaluated. The spray reduced rumination, and the participant was taught to self-administer the spray.
Keywords: fixed-time schedule; flavor spray; functional analysis; rumination.