What does maintenance refer to in a behavioral context?

In a behavioral context, maintenance refers to the ongoing efforts to keep established skills or behaviors at a desired level of performance over time. This means that once a skill has been acquired, it is important to ensure that the individual continues to practice and utilize that skill so it does not diminish or fade away. Regular reinforcement and practice help to solidify these behaviors, making them more robust and integrated into daily routines.

The focus on preserving existing skills is crucial, particularly for individuals on the autism spectrum who may require consistent reinforcement to maintain their learning and independence. This process often involves strategies to ensure the individual can apply the skills in various contexts and across different situations, thereby generalizing their use.

Maintaining behavior is not exclusively about reinforcing new skills—it is about monitoring, supporting, and facilitating the continued use of behaviors that have already been learned.