Various teaching methods have been developed by behavior analysts that have helped decrease or eliminate behaviors associated with a diagnosis of autism in some children. Natural environment teaching is one method in particular that is valuable because it allows caregivers to use the natural environment as a context for teaching children new skills. A specific strategy used in natural environment teaching is known as time delay. This strategy has been shown to be especially useful for promoting spontaneous speech in children diagnosed with autism. The aim of the proposed research was to examine the effects of a training package composed of self-monitoring and feedback components on the frequency with which tutors in a home-based program use a time delay procedure to promote spontaneous speech in a child with autism. Results indicate that after exposure to the treatment package, tutors increased the frequency of time delay used within a session, which thereby increased the frequency of the child’s spontaneous speech and mean length of utterance.

Access to this lesson is free. After successful completion (see criteria below) eligible certificants may purchase CEUs by clicking the button below.

Learning Objectives

By the time you finish this lesson you should be able to:

• Differentiate between discrete trials teaching and natural environment teaching
• Describe previous research investigating time delay procedures
• Identify effective components for successfully training prompt delay procedures

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Access the "The Effects of Prompt Delay on the Verbal-Vocal Behavior of Children with Autism" lesson

Eligibility for BACB Type 2 Continuing Education Units

After completing the lesson, you may be eligible for 1 Type 2 BACB Continuing Education Units. To be awarded CEUs for completing this lesson you must:

• Hold a BCBA or BCaBA certificate at the time you completed the lesson.
• Score an 80% or better on the embedded lesson quiz.
• Not have already received continuing education credit for this lesson.

If you've met these three criteria and would like to receive CEUs for this lesson, please click on the button below to make your purchase.