Using video modeling to teach complex social sequences to children with autism

This study comprised of two experiments was designed to teach complex social sequences to children with autism. Experimental control was achieved by collecting data using means of within-system design methodology. Across a number of conditions children were taken to a room to view one of the four short videos of two people engaging in a simple sequence of activities. Then, each child’s behavior was assessed in the same room. Results showed that this video modeling procedure enhanced the social initiation skills of all children. It also facilitated reciprocal play engagement and imitative responding of a sequence of behaviors, in which social initiation was not included. These behavior changes generalized across peers and maintained after a 1- and 2-month follow-up period

Toilet training for children with autism: The effects of video modeling

This study assessed the effectiveness of an animated toilet training video for teaching daytime urinary control to five young boys with autism across several settings. A between and across groups multiple baseline design was used following a 2-week baseline-monitoring period. Children in the treatment condition received video modeling plus operant conditioning strategies, whereas children in the control condition received only operant conditioning strategies. Frequency of in-toilet urinations was found to be greater for children who watched the toileting video than for children who did not. Gains were maintained for three participants at a 6-week follow-up with generalization to a new setting for two participants. Results indicate that, for young children with autism who are resistant to toilet training, acquisition of urinary control may be facilitated by use of an animated toileting video in conjunction with operant conditioning strategies