Nonexclusionary time-out
A time-out procedure in which the client stays in the setting but loses access to reinforcement for a brief, specified period contingent on a behavior.
In nonexclusionary time-out, the client is not removed from the room or activity. Instead, access to reinforcement is reduced or removed for a short time. Common forms are planned ignoring (social attention is withheld briefly), withdrawal of a specific positive reinforcer (such as turning off music or removing a toy for a short period), contingent observation (the client moves a short distance away from the activity but can still watch others being reinforced), and a time-out ribbon or similar signal (the client wears or has an item that signals reinforcement is available, and it is removed during time-out).
Nonexclusionary time-out is generally preferred over exclusionary time-out because the client stays in the instructional setting, may continue to learn by watching, and is easier to supervise. Like all time-out, it works only when the ongoing activity is rich in reinforcement, and it counts as time-out only if the behavior decreases.
The plan should state which form to use, how long it lasts, and the conditions for ending it. Under the RBT Ethics Code (2.0), RBTs implement punishment-based procedures only when they are in the documented plan and after the supervisor has verified competence.
The RBT applies the procedure consistently and briefly, times it, avoids attention during it, restores reinforcement promptly afterward, and records each use.
Example and non-example
| Example | A child knocks over a peer's block tower during play. The plan calls for contingent observation, so the RBT has the child sit a few feet back from the play area for 1 minute, watching peers play, then invites them back. |
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| Non-example | A client is walked to an empty room for 3 minutes after kicking. Removing the client from the setting is exclusionary time-out. |
Don't confuse it with
| Exclusionary time-out | Exclusionary time-out removes the client from the setting, while nonexclusionary time-out keeps the client present and withholds reinforcement. |
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| Response cost | Response cost permanently removes a set amount of a reinforcer, while nonexclusionary time-out removes access to reinforcement only for a short period. |
Test yourself
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Question 1During a group game, a student grabs another student's cards. As the plan states, the student sits at the edge of the group for one minute, watching but not playing, then rejoins. Which procedure is this?
Show answer
C: Nonexclusionary time-out. In nonexclusionary time-out, the client stays in the setting but cannot take part in reinforcing activities for a short time. Watching from the edge of the group is a common form, called contingent observation.
- A: The student is not taken out of the setting; they stay and watch.
- B: No set amount of a reinforcer, such as tokens, is taken away.
- D: The student loses access to the game, which is more than withholding the reinforcer for grabbing.
Task D.5 · 40-hour curriculum section E
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Question 2A plan says nonexclusionary time-out lasts 2 minutes, then the client returns to the activity. After 2 minutes the client is calm, but the RBT, upset by the incident, keeps the client out for 10 minutes. What is wrong?
Show answer
D: The RBT changed the plan; time-out should end as written. Punishment procedures must be carried out exactly as written. Extending time-out because the RBT is upset departs from the plan and risks harm to the client and the relationship.
- A: Longer is not always more effective, and the RBT must follow the plan's duration.
- B: The plan sets the end point, not the client's request.
- C: Swapping procedures is not the RBT's decision.
Task D.5 · 40-hour curriculum section E · RBT Ethics Code 2.02 · RBT Ethics Code 2.05
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On the RBT exam
This term belongs to task D.5 Positive and negative punishment in content area D, Behavior Reduction, which is 14 of the 75 scored questions.