Proposed Use of Two-Part Interactive Modeling as a Means to Increase Functional Skills in Children With a Variety of Disabilities

Abstract

Purpose: Many behavior modification and intervention programs are based on operant procedures developed for animal subjects, but few use modeling procedures in which one student observes interactions between two proficient trainers. We show how such procedures, which successfully trained Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) to produce and comprehend elements of human language, can be adapted for use with children with three types of disabilities: (a) autism with limited social and language skills, (b) developmental delay with physical handicaps and lack of language skills, and (c) hyperactivity with impaired cognitive and social skills. Summary: Children were evaluated before entering the program and outcomes were recorded to determine improvement levels. No child reached totally normative (physical age-appropriate) levels, but all significantly improved their social and communication skills and use of contextually appropriate behavior. Conclusions: A two-trainer modeling system can be a valuable intervention tool for children whose disabilities involve social and communicative skills.