Evaluating parent use of functional communication training to replace and enhance prelinguistic behaviours in six children with developmental and physical disabilities |
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Authors: | Kathleen Tait Jeff Sigafoos Gail Woodyatt Mark O'Reilly Giulio Lancioni |
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Institution: | 1. School of Development and Learning University of Sydney Sydney Australia;2. Department of Special Education University of Texas Austin USA;3. Department of Speech-Language Pathology The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia;4. Department of Psychology University of Bari Bari Italy |
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Abstract: | Purpose: To evaluate parent use of functional communication training (FCT) to replace and enhance prelinguistic behaviours in six young children with developmental and physical disabilities. Method: Initially, the communicative functions of the children's prelinguistic behaviours were assessed by parent interviews. Three communication functions were identified for each child and intervention goals to replace or enhance the child's existing prelinguistic behaviours were developed in consultation with parents. After a baseline phase, parents received training on implementation of FCT. Intervention was staggered across the three communicative functions in a multiple-probe design. Results: Intervention was associated with increases in the replacement communication behaviour. Treatment gains were generally maintained at the monthly follow-ups. Conclusion: The results suggest that parents can use FCT to enhance communication skills in children with developmental and physical disabilities. |
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