The use of tactile and vestibular stimulation to reduce stereotypic behaviors in two adults with mental retardation.

In this study, two institutionalized adults with mental retardation were treated twice weekly over a 7-month period with activities that provided tactile and vestibular stimulation for the purpose of reducing stereotypic behaviors. Statistically significant treatment effects were demonstrated, but the target behaviors continued at a high and variable rate. Greater treatment frequency may be necessary for therapeutic benefit to occur in adults. Future single case studies need to be completed, with each variable manipulated systematically and with closer adherence to previous studies.