Parent-implemented script fading to promote play-based verbal initiations in children with autism.

Kara A. Reagon & Thomas S. Higbee. (2009) Parent-implemented script fading to promote play-based verbal initiations in children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 659-664.

We trained 3 mothers of children with autism to create, implement, and systematically fade scripts to promote vocal initiations during play. All 3 children’s scripted and unscripted initiations increased after the introduction and fading of scripts, and unscripted initiations were maintained at the 2-week follow-up. The results indicate that parents of children with autism can successfully implement script-fading procedures in their homes and that these procedures are effective methods to increase vocal initiations during play.

DESCRIPTORS: autism, initiations, parent training, play, script fading