Author(s): Christina Whalen | Lars Liden | Brooke Ingersoll | Eric Dallaire | Sven Liden
Journal: Journal of Speech and Language Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis
ISSN 1932-4731
Volume: 1;
Issue: 1;
Start page: 17;
Date: 2006;
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Keywords: Computer | Autism | Social-Communication | Language | Discrete Trial Training | Pivotal Response training
ABSTRACT
TeachTown is a new computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program that utilizes best-practices ABA to teach a variety of skills to young children. Study 1 investigated the effect of the software on the acquisition of receptive language, cognitive, and social skills by 4 children with autism and 4 children with other developmental delaysusing a pre-test/post-test design. Social validity with parents, teachers, and clinicians was also assessed. Study 2 used a multiple-baseline design across the 4 children with autism to investigate whether CAI impeded the children’s spontaneous use of language and social behaviors. Results suggested that the computer-assisted instruction actually enhanced social-communication and decreased inappropriate behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of thepotential of using CAI programs for children with autism.
Journal: Journal of Speech and Language Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis
ISSN 1932-4731
Volume: 1;
Issue: 1;
Start page: 17;
Date: 2006;
VIEW PDF
DOWNLOAD PDF Original pageKeywords: Computer | Autism | Social-Communication | Language | Discrete Trial Training | Pivotal Response training
ABSTRACT
TeachTown is a new computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program that utilizes best-practices ABA to teach a variety of skills to young children. Study 1 investigated the effect of the software on the acquisition of receptive language, cognitive, and social skills by 4 children with autism and 4 children with other developmental delaysusing a pre-test/post-test design. Social validity with parents, teachers, and clinicians was also assessed. Study 2 used a multiple-baseline design across the 4 children with autism to investigate whether CAI impeded the children’s spontaneous use of language and social behaviors. Results suggested that the computer-assisted instruction actually enhanced social-communication and decreased inappropriate behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of thepotential of using CAI programs for children with autism.
