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Assessing Acquisition of and Preference for Mand Topographies During Functional Communication Training

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Abstract

We assessed acquisition and preference for various mand topographies in the presence of establishing operations that, historically, evoked the aggression of a child with autism. First, we implemented functional communication training (FCT) and reinforced picture exchange, iPad®, or GoTalk® activations in a multi-element format (noting differences in aggression and/or mand independence across conditions). Then, we conducted a concurrent-operant mand preference assessment. Finally, we presented assessment results to the subject’s mother and asked her to indicate her own preference. Parent and subject preferences were aligned and we completed therapy using the iPad®.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Lindsay Clark and Carrie Glover who assisted in conducting this study, S. Shanun Kunnavatana and Casey Clay who aided in its conceptualization, and the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) for providing access to clinical rooms used in this study.

Compliance with Ethical Standards

This manuscript is not published (or under review) elsewhere and was approved by all authors and responsible authorities where the work was carried out. We obtained informed consent before initiating study-related activities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA

    Jessica N. Torelli, Joseph M. Lambert, M. Alexandra Da Fonte, Katherine N. Denham, Thomas M. Jedrzynski & Nealetta J. Houchins-Juarez

Authors
  1. Jessica N. Torelli
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  2. Joseph M. Lambert
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  3. M. Alexandra Da Fonte
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  4. Katherine N. Denham
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  5. Thomas M. Jedrzynski
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  6. Nealetta J. Houchins-Juarez
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joseph M. Lambert.

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Implications for Practitioners

• It is possible to assess the mand-topography preferences of individuals with limited verbal repertoires.

• Incorporating a learner’s preferred mand topography into FCT may increase treatment efficacy.

• Mand-topography acquisition and preference assessments can be embedded into FCT.

• Response effort may influence a learner’s mand-topography preference.

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Torelli, J.N., Lambert, J.M., Da Fonte, M.A. et al. Assessing Acquisition of and Preference for Mand Topographies During Functional Communication Training. Behav Analysis Practice 9, 165–168 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-015-0083-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-015-0083-y

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