Effects of Simultaneous Script Training on Use of Varied Mand Frames by Preschoolers with Autism.
Young children with autism may fail to mand using a range of frames (e.g., "I want," "May I have," "Please give me"). We examined the effects of simultaneous script training and script fading on acquisition and maintenance of varied mand frames with six preschool children with autism. For participants who did not demonstrate increased mand variability under fixed-ratio (FR) 1 conditions, we assessed the effects of post script-training extinction on response variability. Following training of up to four different mand frames, three of six participants emitted more varied mands under FR1 conditions relative to baseline. Posttraining extinction resulted in increased mand variability for two of the three remaining participants. Results are discussed in terms of considerations for both establishing and ensuring the persistence of varied verbal behavior among children with autism.
Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, 2865 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 USA.
Tyra P
TP
Sellers
Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, 2865 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 USA.
Kristen
K
Kelley
Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, 2865 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 USA.
Thomas S
TS
Higbee
Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University, 2865 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 USA.
Katie
K
Wolfe
Autism; Mand; Mand frames; Response variability