Date of Award
6-2018
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Jessica E. Frieder
Second Advisor
Dr. Stephanie Peterson
Third Advisor
Dr. Richard Mallot
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Jonathan Baker
Keywords
Autism, picture exchange communication, imitation
Abstract
The current literature regarding the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) demonstrates that some individuals diagnosed with autism acquire speech or gain increases in speech during PECS training; however, the current research base has several limitations. There is a lack of research regarding possible explanations for those speech gains, including possible pre-requisite skills for speech acquisition or procedures that can account for speech acquisition. Some research suggests a link between imitation (both motor and vocal) and language acquisition. The current study examined whether individuals with a generalized motor imitative repertoire are more likely to develop speech during PECS training than individuals without a generalized imitative repertoire. This study also served as a replication of a preliminary study. Results of both the preliminary study and current study are compared and discussed.
Access Setting
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Newhouse-Oisten, Mindy K., "Effects of Generalized Imitation Training on Functional Speech Acquisition During Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Training" (2018). Dissertations. 3298.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/3298