Clinical Application of a High-Probability Sequence to Promote Compliance with Vocal Imitation in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Behav Anal Pract. 2018 Oct 1;12(1):199-203. doi: 10.1007/s40617-018-00280-y. eCollection 2019 Mar.

Abstract

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of the high-probability (high-p) instructional procedure involving motor imitation on the levels of compliance with vocal imitation in a 3-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We used a multiple-baseline design across three stimuli sets to demonstrate effects of the procedure over compliance with vocal imitation responses. Results demonstrated that the high-p procedural sequence was effective in increasing the levels of compliance with vocal imitation. We discuss these finding in terms of the operant mechanisms and clinical applications of increased compliance.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; High-p; Intervention; Low-p; Motor imitation; Vocal imitation.