Generalization and Discrimination of Positively Reinforced Explicit Mands in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

In this study, we extended the literature on the generalization of positively reinforced explicit mands in three young children with ASD and complex communication needs. First, we used mand training to teach a new, socially appropriate, positively reinforced explicit mand to request preferred toys. Second, we assessed the discriminated generalization of the newly acquired mand by using untrained examples and nonexamples. Results suggest that our mand training resulted in acquisition of a discriminated positively reinforced explicit mand in all three children. Overgeneralization was documented for one of the three children included in the study. We discuss implications for researchers and practitioners related to the importance of assessing for generalization errors following mand training.PMID:38288592 | DOI:10.1177/01454455241228768

Source: Behavior Modification - January 30, 2024 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Laura Claudia Chezan Autumn Bauer Erik Drasgow Heidi Garcia Adam Warman Source Type: research