An Orton-based operant program for auditory language learning disorders.

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes an Orton/Gillingham-based remedial program focusing on the temporal aspects of auditory language learning disorders. The program utilizes a Skinnerian operant paradigm which generates S-R data under strict psychophysical and psychoacoustical controls. Cumulative baseline recordings are generated and used to relate multiple -component (dichotic, diotic, ipsilateral, etc.) auditory stimuli to a listener's discrimination and synthesis of complex speech. The Dichonics[TM] methodology isolates temporal aspects of phonemic synthesis, discrimination and awareness. Comorbidity of ADHD, CAPD, apraxia, aphasia, dyslexia and autism is discussed. Keywords: Orton, operant conditioning, language disorders, dichotic, temporal auditory, phonemic synthesis and discrimination, CAPD, ADHD, apraxia, dyslexia, autism; Dichonics Introduction It can be argued that the treatment of language disorders should follow a strict behavioral protocol regardless of the etiology of the disorder (e.g., aphasia, apraxia, autism, ADHD, CAPD, etc.). However, this is rarely observed in practice. For example, a recent internet survey revealed that 111 different therapies were being provided to children with autism, including an average of seven different treatments per child (Green, Pituch, Itchon, Choi, O'reilly & Sigafoos, 2005). Speech therapy was found to be the most common intervention, followed by visual therapy, sensory integration, and applied behavioral analysis. Other therapies included medication (52%), special diets (27%), and vitamin supplements (43%). According to Green, et al, (2005), professionals should address the treatment processes and outcomes rather than focusing on causation. Consistent with Green et al's recommendation, this paper presents an integrated multi-component paradigm for measuring and modifying the operant behavior of persons who (regardless of etiology) demonstrate depressed auditory language learning skills. Presented is a rigid operant (instrumental) program of the type described by B. F. Skinner (1938). Operant depends on growth and character of baseline as a measure of quantity and quality of a stimulus-based response paradigm. This article addresses both therapy and in that a well-controlled therapy program builds a baseline of performance that reveals concise diagnostic information. In a good operant therapy paradigm, diagnosis goes hand-in-hand with therapy. Baseline acquisition, under strict behavioral control, is a measure of learning ability (or disability) and of how the stimulus delivery must be manipulated in order to overcome failure to achieve baseline with normal patterns. The strength of operant conditioning is the control that can be manifested via the tight one-at-a-time manipulation of ongoing behavior so that the acquisition curve reveals ongoing information about ability. Dalton, Allen, Henton & Taylor (1969) used a Skinner box and the behavioral method of conditioned suppression (CS) to establish auditory thresholds in monkeys being employed as subjects in the early space program. CS occurs when the subject is shaped to associate key pressing with positive reinforcement but ceases to lever-press in the presence of a discernable stimulus (in our case sound). Dalton & Allen (1969) applied those same techniques to measure auditory thresholds in the adolescent rhesus monkey with induced cerebral palsy. In that study the response mode (lever) had to be especially adapted to participants with no subsequent effect on the audiogram. The thresholds were accurate, easily replicated and sensitive to medical changes as validated by post mortem examination. In an effort to establish an operant-controlled phonemic discrimination task for human application, Dalton (1979) expanded the single lever response key to determine listening preference of the rhesus monkey. Two major findings came from that study. …