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Published on: November 9, 2018
Analysis of Mand Selection across Different Stimulus Conditions.
Lisa Winborn-Kemmerer1, David P Wacker, Jay Harding
1The University of Iowa.
Education & Treatment of Children
|March 6, 2010
Summary
Functional communication training using a communication card reduced problem behavior in children with developmental disabilities. Children used the card when available and other communication methods when it was not.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Problem behavior is common in children with developmental disabilities.
- Functional communication training (FCT) is an evidence-based intervention to reduce problem behavior.
- Manding, a form of requesting, is a key component of FCT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of FCT using a novel communication card.
- To assess the impact of the communication card on manding and problem behavior.
- To determine if the card acts as a discriminative stimulus for specific mands.
Main Methods:
- A three-phase study involving functional analysis, FCT with concurrent schedules, and an ABAB design.
- Two children with developmental disabilities participated.
- Reinforcement was provided for using the novel card or existing mands.
Main Results:
- Problem behavior decreased significantly during FCT.
- Children used the communication card more frequently than other mands when it was available.
- Problem behavior remained low across conditions, with children reverting to other mands when the card was absent.
Conclusions:
- FCT with a communication card is effective in reducing problem behavior.
- The communication card may serve as a discriminative stimulus for specific mands.
- Training did not suppress the use of other communication modalities when the card was unavailable.
