PEAK RELATIONAL TRAINING – DIRECT TRAINING MODULE: VOCAL IMITATION ACQUISITION BETWEEN DEVELOPMENTAL SOUNDS AND RANDOM

Author

Maureen Lim Lim, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

8-1-2016

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Behavior Analysis and Therapy

First Advisor

Belisle, Jordan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to teach 3 children vocal imitation and to compare dev words and random words. A multiple baseline design was implemented across three participants two with an expressive and receptive language delay and one with Autism where the participants were taught to vocally imitate several sounds using the PEAK Relational Training curriculum. The sounds were divided into 2 groups: first set composed of age appropriate sound in sequential order of suggested acquisition and the second set were random but age appropriate sounds. Trial blocks began with the child being asked to imitate a sound from their specific sound set. If the child correctly imitated the sound, child was given their chosen reinforcement (bubbles, surprise eggs or a book). After a trial block of 5 imitation requests, the child is given 5 minutes of free play where the child is able to pick an activity around their home. The results of the study show that children with a language disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder increased the correct number of sound imitations during the PEAK Relational Training System – Direct Training module. Given both sets of sounds, the age appropriate sound sequence emerged first. Two participants showed an increasing trend at a high level during intervention. The third participant showed an increasing trend but at a low level.