ERIC Number: EJ1451450
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0743-4618
EISSN: EISSN-1447-3848
Available Date: N/A
A Demonstration of Incorporating Discriminative Stimuli into an AAC Device during Functional Communication Training
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, v40 n4 p328-336 2024
Functional communication training (FCT) is an effective intervention for teaching communication responses and reducing challenging behavior. One limitation of FCT is that frequent reinforcement may be impractical or impossible in many situations. Recently, Mitteer et al. published a tutorial in the journal "AAC" that provided video models on how to implement an empirically supported strategy for thinning reinforcement during FCT, known as FCT with discriminative stimuli, when teaching with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. However, no study has empirically evaluated the approach described in that tutorial. This paper details a case study using several single-case experimental designs to teach a non-vocal autistic adult who did not use speech to communicate requests only when reinforcement was signaled to be available by the color of the AAC icons. We demonstrated the efficacy of this approach with unique pairs of discriminative stimuli for tangible and edible items, thinning reinforcement for each stimulus class independently. We then rapidly transferred stimulus control to new icons and integrated both classes of stimuli into a single AAC grid. This first demonstration of embedding discriminative stimuli into an AAC device represents a promising advancement for individuals who do not use speech and may not readily respond to delay or denial cues.
Descriptors: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Communication Skills, Functional Behavioral Assessment, Behavior Modification, Stimuli, Visual Aids, Color, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Adults, Disabilities, Nonverbal Communication, Reinforcement
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 2R01HD079113; 5R01HD093734
Data File: URL: https://doi-org.bibliotheek.ehb.be/10.5281/zenodo.8264097
Author Affiliations: N/A