This article presents a behaviorally based speech and language training method for multiply handicapped preschool children. The training procedures are based upon the echoic motor and vocal responses a nonverbal child emits in response to gross motor and vocal stimuli. No verbal cues are used. The child is presented with gross motor and vocal stimuli then, any echoic motor or vocal response that occurs is reinforced. The article presents the thesis that echoic vocal responses precede the development of imitative vocal responses.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BaerD. M., & ShermanJ. A. (1964). Reinforcement control of generalized imitation in young children. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 1, 37–49.
2.
HewettF. M. (1964). Teaching speech to an autistic child through operant conditioning. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 35(5), 931.
3.
RisleyT. (1966). The establishment of verbal behavior in deviant children. Dissertation Abstracts, 27B(1-3), 989–B.
4.
RoosP. (1970). Trends and issues in special education for the mentally retarded. Education and Training of the Mentally Retarded, 5, 56.
5.
ShermanJ. A. (1965). Use of reinforcement and imitation to reinstate verbal behavior in mute psychotics. Journal of Abnormal Social Psychology, 70, 161–162.
6.
SloaneH. N., & MacAulayB. D. (1968). Operant procedures in remedial speech and language training. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
7.
WolfM. M., RisleyT. R., & MeesH. I. (1964). Application of operant conditioning procedures to the behavior problems of an autisite child. Behavior Research Therapy, 1, 305–312.
