Teaching autistic children conversational speech using video modeling

J Appl Behav Anal. 1989 Fall;22(3):275-85. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1989.22-275.

Abstract

We assessed the effects of video modeling on acquisition and generalization of conversational skills among autistic children. Three autistic boys observed videotaped conversations consisting of two people discussing specific toys. When criterion for learning was met, generalization of conversational skills was assessed with untrained topics of conversation; new stimuli (toys); unfamiliar persons, siblings, and autistic peers; and other settings. The results indicated that the children learned through video modeling, generalized their conversational skills, and maintained conversational speech over a 15-month period. Video modeling shows much promise as a rapid and effective procedure for teaching complex verbal skills such as conversational speech.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / therapy*
  • Child
  • Education of Intellectually Disabled / methods*
  • Generalization, Psychological
  • Humans
  • Imitative Behavior*
  • Language Development Disorders / therapy*
  • Male
  • Semantics
  • Speech Production Measurement
  • Speech Therapy / methods*
  • Verbal Behavior*
  • Videotape Recording*