Abstract
We evaluated the effects of systematic prompting plus reinforcement on listeners’ independent responses to peer mands and on speakers’ peer-directed mands using the picture exchange communication system (PECS) in two studies. In Study 1, three PECS users with a diagnosis of autism were trained to direct PECS exchanges toward peers, whereas in Study 2, three peers with autism were taught to accept a PECS card, select the requested item from an array of three items, and place it in front of their peer. Study 1 showed an increase in peer PECS mands that generalized to novel trained peers for all participants. Results of Study 2 demonstrated an increase in correct independent responses to PECS exchange for all participants, a response that readily generalized across peers and settings for two out of three participants. These results suggest that this intervention protocol may be an effective way to increase interactions between peers with autism.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the participants and their families for their part in this study. We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the staff of PALS preschool for their part in conducting study trials and data collection.
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Amanda Doherty and Laura Gormley were employed by the host institution at the time of the study.
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All procedures performed in the study were in accordance with the ethical standards of the School of Psychology Ethics Committee of Trinity College Dublin, and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments.
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Informed consent and assent was obtained from all individuals and their parents/guardians in the study.
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Research Highlights
• Children with autism can learn to direct PECS mands toward their peers.
• Prompting and reinforcement can be used to teach children with autism to respond correctly to peer PECS mands for a variety of stimuli.
• Responses to peer PECS mands indicated generalization across both peers and settings and maintenance at follow-up for the majority of participants.
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Doherty, A., Bracken, M. & Gormley, L. Teaching Children with Autism to Initiate and Respond to Peer Mands Using Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Behav Analysis Practice 11, 279–288 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-018-00311-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-018-00311-8