Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Teaching children with autism to engage in peer-directed mands using a picture exchange communication system
Amber R Paden1, Tiffany Kodak, Wayne W Fisher
1Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA.
Abstract:
We evaluated differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) plus prompting to increase peer-directed mands for preferred items using a picture exchange communication system (PECS). Two nonvocal individuals with autism participated. Independent mands with a peer increased with the implementation of DRA plus prompting for both participants. In addition, peers engaged in brief social interactions following the majority of mands for leisure items. These results suggest that teaching children to use PECS with peers may be one way to increase manding and social interactions in individuals with limited or no vocal repertoire.
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