Nesrhtens…..

There seems to be consensus on the fact that social stimuli don´t acquire the function of a reinforcer for children with autism, as it does for most other children, both typically developed and children with other development disorders. And it´s becoming obvious that the lack of reinforcement effect of social stimuli, is impeding the development and learning of joint attention, language and derived relational responding.

The exist some research on the process and different procedures of establishing social stimuli as reinforcers. The last couple of days, I have been presented with some empirical data showing effect on the procedure outlined by Holth (2005), in pairing social stimuli with primary reinforcement. This data show promising results, and will quite easily blend in regular teaching sessions, and can be implemented through the day. I think the question now needs to be addressed is how early it´s possible to condition these stimuli for children with autism. And how this will affect the course and results of EIBI.

Related posts:

1. Improving Social initiations in Young Children with Autism
2. Family factors, data collection and social validity.
3. Establishing response and stimulus classes for initiating joint attention in children with autism