An adapted language training strategy in the treatment of an electively mute male child

The present study investigated the usefulness of an Adapted Language Training Program in the treatment of an electively mute seven-year-old male. Training utilized a multiple baseline across behaviors single subject design. Four phases of treatment focused on non-verbal attending, verbal imitative responding, and functional language responding. Systematic attempts at promoting generalization of verbal responses across situations and persons were employed throughout the language program. A 90% appropriate response criterion was reached for all measures. Non-verbal attending and imitative verbal responding remained above criterion at the termination of treatment, but functional language responding regressed to below criterion. Generalization of verbal responses was noted outside of the training sessions.