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The Effect of Joint Control Training on the Performance of Multiply Controlled Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review Relevant to Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities

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Abstract

Skinner (1957) differentiated the roles of the speaker and the listener in a verbal encounter. Although not extensively emphasized, Skinner suggested an individual often behaves verbally even when responding as a listener. Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often display the absence of important, and basic verbal repertoires that limit their ability to engage in a variety of social skills or problem-solving skills. Joint control suggests that multiply controlled verbal responding involves functional control of two 2 or more stimuli or verbal operants. This systematic literature review provides a summary of publications specifying the relation and implications of the analysis of joint control and joint control training in the acquisition of multiply controlled, non-speaker behaviors (e.g., selection-based behavior; , sequencing behavior). The synthesis suggests that joint control training presents as a promising analytic tool in guiding interventions to teach complex, multiply controlled verbal and non-verbal repertoires to children diagnosed with autism ASD and/or other developmental disabilities. Recommendations for future research in joint control, as well as the implementation of joint control training, are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Instruction and Learning, University of Pittsburgh, WWPH 5142, 230 South Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA

    Miguel E. Ampuero

  2. Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, Harrisburg, PA, USA

    Michael Miklos

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  1. Miguel E. Ampuero
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  2. Michael Miklos
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Correspondence to Miguel E. Ampuero.

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Miguel E. Ampuero (first author) declares that he has no conflict of interest. Michael Miklos (second author) declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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Ampuero, M.E., Miklos, M. The Effect of Joint Control Training on the Performance of Multiply Controlled Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review Relevant to Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities. Analysis Verbal Behav 35, 149–171 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40616-019-00116-y

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