| Abstract: |
This experiment compared the effect of computerized visual feedback (computer assisted instruction) with traditional play interaction (personal instruction) in promoting vocal imitation in children with autism. Nonverbal children (N = 10) with autism participated in ten sessions. Each session was composed of four sections: a parent and a trainer interacted with the child on the computer or using play interactions. The study was conducted as a simultaneous treatment design and the sequence of experimental conditions was randomized across sessions. Participants showed significantly greater vocal imitations in the computer-assisted instruction condition, compared with the personal instruction condition. This trend was present in 9 out of 10 children. Vocal imitations increased across the sessions, with greater increments in the computer-assisted instruction condition. These effects were consistent across both parent and trainer. The final, definitive version of this paper has been published by SAGE Publications Ltd, All rights reserved © |
