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Using Video Modeling to Toilet Train a Child with Autism

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of an instructional package which included the use of custom-made video models together with picture prompts and reinforcement to toilet train a 4-year-old boy diagnosed with autism. Six components of toileting were identified during a task analysis: Walking to the toilet, undressing, sitting on the toilet, eliminating in the toilet, redressing, and flushing. A changing criterion design was employed to assess the effects of the intervention. Results showed that the intervention package was effective in teaching the functional skills of dressing, sitting on the toilet and flushing, skills which generalized to a second setting. However, it did not result in the acquisition of reliable in-toilet voiding. The current study contributes to the small body of research literature regarding toilet training and video modeling, highlighting the attention to detail required when undertaking interventions using custom-made videos to toilet train children with autism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3800

    Clara Yun Qi Lee, Angelika Anderson & Dennis W. Moore

Authors
  1. Clara Yun Qi Lee
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  2. Angelika Anderson
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  3. Dennis W. Moore
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Clara Yun Qi Lee.

Additional information

This study was completed in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology for the first author. We wish to acknowledge the contribution of Catriona de Bruin in collecting the social validity data.

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Lee, C.Y.Q., Anderson, A. & Moore, D.W. Using Video Modeling to Toilet Train a Child with Autism. J Dev Phys Disabil 26, 123–134 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-013-9348-y

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