Fading an Auditory Model by Volume to Teach Mands to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

AbstractThe effectiveness of an audio model faded by volume on manding for materials was evaluated within an interrupted behavior chain with two children with autism. Behavior chains were interrupted to contrive an establishing operation (EO) by providing broken items and were interspersed with abolishing operation (AO) trials. An auditory model to teach mands was faded systematically by volume. Using a multiple probe design across three preferred activities, it was found that both participants were manded for some items in the absence of an audio prompt after it was faded systematically. Following the introduction of a prompt delay, participants learned to mand across remaining targets. Across participants, manding generalized to a novel interruption form (i.e., in sight but out of reach materials), to novel materials, and were maintained. Goals, procedures, and outcomes of the intervention were rated socially valid by clinicians.
Source: Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities - Category: Disability Source Type: research