EVALUATION OF A PARENT-IMPLEMENTED INTERVENTION IN TEACHING MANDS USING AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION FOR A CHILD WITH AUTISM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5216/ia.v50i3.82402Keywords:
Parent Training. Mands. Augmentative and Alternative Communication.Abstract
The sociocommunicative deficits characteristic of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compromise the functional use of language and hinder interpersonal interactions, such as initiating dialogues, making inferences, and interpreting social behaviors. This study, grounded in Behavior Analysis—particularly in the concept of the mand, proposed by Skinner (1957)—investigated parent training aimed at the acquisition of this essential skill, which allows the child to request items or actions based on their motivational needs, promoting functional communication in natural contexts. The aim of the study was to evaluate, through the use of an intrasubject quasi-experimental design, the effects of a parent-training program on the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) by a 10-year-old girl with ASD, carried out in the family’s home. The parents were trained, through video self-confrontation and modeling, to implement AAC strategies during the child’s daily activities. Results indicated an increase in the frequency of mands and a reduction in non-adaptive behaviors after the intervention. At follow-up, conducted five months later, maintenance of communicative gains and family satisfaction with the program were observed. It is concluded that the active participation of parents as intervention agents in AAC programs can significantly contribute to the communicative development of children with ASD.
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