The effects of directive and nondirective prompts on noncompliant vocal behavior exhibited by a child with autism.

Robert Peyton, Steven E. Lindauer, & David M. Richman (2005). The effects of directive and nondirective prompts on noncompliant vocal behavior exhibited by a child with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 38, 251-255.

Results of an analogue functional analysis indicated that noncompliant vocal behavior exhibited by a young girl with autism was maintained by negative reinforcement. Follow-up analyses suggested that the immediate escape contingency assessed in the demand condition did not appear to maintain the behavior. Instead, noncompliant vocal behavior occurred in response to directive prompts. Nondirective prompts reduced noncompliant vocal behavior to near zero.

DESCRIPTORS: vocal behavior, instructions, nondirective prompts, functional analysis, autism, developmental disabilities