This study replicates and extends previous research by identifying improvements in play behavior following the
application of a behavioral intervention package (e.g., Lang, Machalicek, et al., 2009). To address concerns regarding
behavioral play interventions, we evaluated generalization, maintenance and indicators of child happiness in the absence of
the discriminative stimuli associated with the delivery of reinforcement. In regards to generalization, one of the three participants (Ashley) demonstrated both response and stimulus generalization during the first return to baseline phase.
Specifically, Ashley’s play was elevated above baseline levels with the toy set used during intervention despite the fact that
the setting changed (stimulus generalization). Additionally, because toy-play also increased with the toy set with which play
had not been directly taught and because play with that toy set involved different topographies of play behaviors (e.g.,
placing action figure in the swing and swinging) than those directly taught during intervention (e.g., placing action figure
near washing machine and pushing button on washing machine), response generalization was also demonstrated. Having
demonstrated response and stimulus generalization, Ashley remained in this condition until the maintenance phase. Vince
and Colt also continued to engage in high levels of play with the toy set used during intervention in the first return to baseline
phase, but did not engage in play with the toy set that was not used during intervention, thus demonstrating stimulus
generalization but not response generalization. A lag schedule of reinforcement intervention was therefore initiated with
these two participants. Following the play intervention with lag schedules, Vince and Colt were returned to baseline
conditions and generalization of play skills across settings and toys was observed