# Translational Research to Inform Interventions for Severe Challenging Behavior for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

> **NIH NIH R03** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $68,055

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 This R03 resubmission proposes to evaluate whether the extinction bursts (i.e., temporary increases in
rate or intensity of behavior during extinction) of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
can be mitigated through systematic assessment and intervention. This project addresses a critical need in
the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior for individuals with IDD because extinction is
often a necessary component of effective intervention but the potential for bursts precludes its use in
environments that cannot support escalations (e.g., public spaces).
 The Goal of this application is to identify mechanisms responsible for bursts, and to facilitate strategic
extensions toward discovery for treatments of challenging behavior. AIM 1: In the service of this goal, we aim
to evaluate the accuracy of an efficient alternative to demand-curve analysis (i.e., progressive ratio reinforcer
analysis) in quantifying reinforcer value (i.e., Pmax). AIM 2: We also aim to evaluate the utility of manipulating
baseline reinforcement parameters for controlling bursts when those manipulations are informed by the results
of demand-curve analysis (AIM 2).
 We will enroll 80 adults with developmental disabilities in a low-stakes translational investigation
employing a 2x2 factorial, crossed, and randomized matched blocks design, with batched randomization
logic. Procedures will include: (a) conducting progressive ratio and progressive-fixed ratio reinforcer analyses
for each study participant (AIM 1), and (b) randomly assigning each participant to one of four experimental
conditions to determine whether information about reinforcer value can be used to set baseline parameters
that either promote or eliminate bursts during extinction (AIM 2).
 This project aligns with objectives of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch (IDDB) of
the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) because it contributes to
understanding of factors that facilitate efficient elimination of severe challenging behavior and promotes the
development of treatments which can improve the behavioral health, clinical care, and qualities of lives of
individuals with IDD. Specifically, the outcomes of this project promise to provide insight into the ways in which
researchers can mitigate the undesirable collateral effects (i.e., extinction bursts) of therapeutic action (i.e.,
extinction) against severe challenging behavior. This project is appropriate for the R03 funding mechanism
because it is a clearly defined study that can be completed in two years, with limited resources.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10397114
- **Project number:** 5R03HD099445-02
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Joseph Michael Lambert
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $68,055
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-05-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10397114

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10397114, Translational Research to Inform Interventions for Severe Challenging Behavior for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (5R03HD099445-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10397114. Licensed CC0.

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