Applied Behavior Consultants, Inc. (ABC)
Dr. Koji Takeshima
One of the most difficult problems related to learning in
children with autism is the generalization of that learning from
the exact circumstances where it was taught. This paper describes a
conceptual and practical approach to dealing with this problem.
A five step program is offered whereby behaviors taught in a
discrete trials format can be generalized to the environment at
large. After a behavior is taught at a table, the discriminative
stimuli are systematically varied while maintaining the behavior.
The next step involves varying the location of the teaching session
while adding distractors and thinning the schedule of
reinforcement. The taught behavior is then brought into chain of
behaviors that represent daily living and activity routines
relevant to the taught behavior, especially if peers can be brought
into the interactions. The final step involves bringing the taught
behavior under the control of the behavior of peers. Practical
examples at each step will be described.