The study utilized the Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT) which has been shown to increase imitation skills. RIT uses sign language but focuses on strengthening gesturing and imitation skills first. RIT has to be implemented in a highly structured setting focusing on discrete trial training, utilizing shaping and reinforcement procedures. Ingersoll, Lewis, and Kroman (2006, pg. 1447) found that "intervention which target the imitation of gestures may have a substantial effect on both development of spontaneous gesture use and, subsequently, language use in general."
Participants in the study were five boys with an autism diagnosis ranging in from 34 to 49 months with limited to no gesturing or imitation skills. All intervention sessions were conducted in a one-to-one setting in a treatment room. The results of the study found that all participants increased their gestural and imitation skills and many of them showed improvement in social-communication skills.
After reading this article, I have learned the importance of establishing imitation and gestural skills prior to implementing a full language intervention.
Reference:
Ingersoll, B., Lewis, E., & Kroman, E. (2007). Teaching the Imitation and Spontaneous Use of Descriptive Gestures in
Young Children with Autism Using a Naturalistic Behavioral Intervention. Journal Of Autism & Developmental
Disorders, 37(8), 1446-1456. doi:10.1007/s10803-006-0221-z
Bo,
ReplyDeleteYour research sounds great! I am sorry you’ve come up against some struggles with recruiting. I had similar issues, as my particular student is one who skips school regularly, so I completely get the trouble you can have with trying to reschedule.
The research you have presented is interesting as well. I am intrigued the research that highlights the benefits of sign language as a language intervention model. I am surprised there is not more info out there. Have you contacted any facilities that specialize in sign language instruction? I know we have one in Denver, CO that may be able to help with your research. In any case, good luck! I look forward to your final research!
-Ross
Hi Bo
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the article reviews on your website. It sounds challenging to work with a population you don't normally see. I feel lucky to be able to work with the students in my class. It's much easier to get the research going when they come to school everyday!
I loved reading the review of this article discussing sign language and social gesturing. In the first grade general education classroom, students benefit from seeing and reciprocating gestures and motions that go along with new vocabulary words, new ideas, or certain feelings. I realize that this is a different population, but it makes perfect sense that acquiring or being exposed to sign language would help a child express themselves socially.
I know that the population you work with is young, but I'm wondering if you do any work with body language. I realize you are interested in language acquisition, but I have found that my body langugage when I interact with students and the student's body language when they interact with each other dictates the language they use (and the way they react). I wonder if this would play any role in language acquisiting at such a young age or with students with autism.
Thanks!
Kylie