Establishing verbal repertoires in children with autism using function-based video modeling.
Joshua B Plavnick1, Summer J Ferreri
1Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA. plavnick@msu.edu
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|January 6, 2012
Summary
This study shows that teaching communication skills to children with autism is more effective when based on what motivates them. Function-based interventions lead to better language acquisition and generalization for children with autism.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Language interventions for autism can be improved by assessing motivating conditions.
- Understanding environmental variables that trigger communication is key for effective training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a method for teaching mands (requests) in children with autism.
- To identify environmental variables that evoke communicative responses.
- To compare the effectiveness of function-based versus non-function-based video modeling for mand acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1 used an alternating treatments design to analyze the function of gestures in 4 children with autism.
- Experiment 2 employed an alternating treatments within a multiple probe design to compare video modeling conditions.
- Functional analysis identified gestures as requests for attention or assistance.
Main Results:
- Gestures served as requests for attention or assistance, varying by participant.
- Mand acquisition was significantly higher in the function-based video modeling condition.
- Generalization of learned mands occurred only in the function-based condition.
Conclusions:
- Assessing and utilizing function-based environmental variables enhances language training for children with autism.
- Function-based video modeling is a more effective strategy for teaching mands than non-function-based approaches.
- This methodology promotes better communication skill development and generalization in autistic children.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:14Steps in the Modeling Process
Albert Bandura's theory of observational learning identifies four critical processes: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and reinforcement or motivation.
Attention is the first necessary component for observational learning. It involves focusing on what the model is doing and saying. For example, if you decide to take a drawing class to enhance your skills, you need to pay close attention to the instructor's words and hand movements. The characteristics of the model significantly...
Attention is the first necessary component for observational learning. It involves focusing on what the model is doing and saying. For example, if you decide to take a drawing class to enhance your skills, you need to pay close attention to the instructor's words and hand movements. The characteristics of the model significantly...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:12Observational Learning
Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning because...
01:28Automatic Processing and Automatic Social Behavior
Automatic processing refers to the cognitive operations that occur without conscious intent or awareness, playing a fundamental role in shaping social cognition and behavior. These processes enable individuals to navigate complex social environments efficiently by relying on mental shortcuts and pre-existing knowledge structures known as schemas. One of the most influential mechanisms underlying automatic processing is priming, which subtly activates mental representations through exposure to...