Labeling and functional language in a case of psychological mutism

Talking was increased in an 11-year-old girl who recently had stopped talking to anyone in any setting, despite the absence of biological factors, mental retardation, and autism. Productive labeling (correctly naming picture cards) and functional language (talking about picture cards in the absence of such pictures) were interspersed with a series of treatment packages (including verbal instructions, imitation, tokens, and praise). Interventions for productive labeling were programmed in a changing-criterion design. Interventions for functional language were programmed in an ABC design. Higher levels of productive labeling and functional language were noted with the introduction of the particular package, in comparison to baseline. The results also showed the generalization of the procedures to the shaping of functional language in the absence of picture cards.