Generalization and Discrimination of Positively Reinforced Explicit Mands in Young Children with Autism Spectrum
Laura Claudia Chezan1, Autumn Bauer1, Erik Drasgow2
1Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.
Behavior Modification
|January 30, 2024
Summary
This study found that mand training helped children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) acquire new requests. However, one child showed overgeneralization, highlighting the need to assess generalization errors in autism research and practice.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Developmental psychology
- Speech-language pathology
Background:
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle with generalizing learned skills.
- Mand training is a common intervention to teach requesting skills in ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the generalization of positively reinforced explicit mands in young children with ASD.
- To assess discriminated generalization using untrained examples and non-examples.
Main Methods:
- Three young children with ASD and complex communication needs participated.
- Mand training was used to teach a new, socially appropriate, positively reinforced explicit mand.
- Generalization was assessed using untrained examples and non-examples.
Main Results:
- All three children acquired a discriminated, positively reinforced explicit mand.
- One child demonstrated overgeneralization of the newly acquired mand.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate that mand training can be effective for teaching requesting skills in ASD.
- Assessing for generalization errors is crucial for effective intervention and practice in autism.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
96
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.
96
01:26Modeling in Therapy
79
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...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
79
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
57
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
57
01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
559
Generalization, discrimination, and extinction are key concepts in operant conditioning that influence how behaviors are learned and maintained.
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
559
01:21Behavior Modification
160
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
160
02:55Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
90.2K
Humans are very diverse and although we share many similarities, we also have many differences. The social groups we belong to help form our identities (Tajfel, 1974). These differences may be difficult for some people to reconcile, which may lead to prejudice toward people who are different. Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954; Brown, 2010). Prejudice is common against people who...
90.2K