Replication of a skills assessment for auditory-visual conditional discrimination training

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Developmental Psychology
• Special Education

Background:

• Auditory-visual conditional discrimination (AVCD) training is common in early intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Some individuals with ASD do not benefit from AVCD training, even with evidence-based methods.
• A predictive skills assessment is needed to optimize intervention for learners with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and evaluate a skills assessment for AVCD training.
• To determine the assessment's utility in predicting learning for individuals with ASD.
• To inform educators and practitioners about potential training outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Replicated a previously developed skills assessment.
• Administered the assessment to 8 participants with ASD receiving behavior analytic intervention.
• Assessed participants' performance on AVCD training post-assessment.

Main Results:

• Two participants mastered all assessment skills except scanning.
• Five participants did not achieve mastery in subsequent AVCD training.
• The skills assessment demonstrated predictive utility for AVCD training outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The skills assessment can identify individuals with ASD who may struggle with AVCD training.
• This tool can help prevent prolonged, ineffective early intervention.
• The assessment supports data-driven decisions in special education and intervention planning.