In this study we characterized profiles of communicative functions and forms of children with autism and intellectual disability (n = 26), as compared to typically developing children (n = 26) with a comparable nonverbal mental age (2-5 years). Videotapes of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales--Developmental Profile were analyzed using…

Understanding the underlying qualitative features of memory deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can provide critical information for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study sought to investigate the utility of both learning and retention measures in (a) the diagnosis of MCI, (b) predicting progression to AD, and (c)…

Verbal self instruction (VSIT) has potential for training persons with an intellectual disability in the use of strategies, particularly in promoting generalization of behavior. Among technical issues discussed are providing appropriate initial training procedures and identifying differential task effects. Problems with range of application, goal…

Generalization of four retarded children's (five to eight years old) object naming responses to stimuli in the natural environment was assessed after training with either objects or pictures. Generalization was typically greater after training with objects. In a second experiment, an alternating procedure resulted in substantial increases in…

Three studies examining the effects of correspondence training (reinforcement for matching verbal and nonverbal behavior) with 22 mildly and moderately retarded students revealed that the approach can be used to decrease maladaptive and increase adaptive behavior and that it can produce generalized behavior change. (CL)

Results revealed a significant Intelligence x Frequency interaction, which indicated that the retarded group exhibited an incidential learning deficit but only under the high frequency condition. A possible explanation for this finding was discussed within the context of depth of processing. (Author)

Rates of acquiescence were alarmingly high in institutions as well as community samples; lower IQ respondents tended to acquiesce more than higher IQ respondents; and, acquiescence had major effects on the content of responses. (Author)

In two studies of verbal instruction of young mentally retarded adults, increasing the speed of verbal instruction reduced the level of nonverbal performance, particulary in subjects with poor nonverbal scores. Slight increases in speed of instruction can have major and negative impacts. Redundancy in verbal instruction inhibits nonverbal…

Results of a study comparing the outcome of a reinforcement (do only) procedure with correspondence (say/do) training indicated no apparent differences in generalization between two groups of mentally retarded adults (N=12). Rule-governed behavior, rather than verbal regulation of behavior, may best account for behavior changes seen in…

The transition from preverbal to verbal communication of 13 retarded and nonretarded children was explored in a prospective, longitudinal study. Mental development was tested at ages 13 months and at 2 and 3 years. Results seem to support the postulate of a skill-specific homology in the transition from preverbal to verbal communication.…

Twenty three-year-old Down's syndrome children were compared on their ability to respond to typical preschool learning tasks when given either augmented or repetitive verbal instruction. (Author)

The effectiveness of sign language was compared with verbal language instruction with 12 nonverbal severely retarded students (4 to 9 years old). Ss received either speech training, sign language training, or instruction in an area other than communication. During the second year, 10 Ss received training from their parents. Results indicated no…

Thirty-six normal 5-year-olds and 60 educable mentally retarded (EMR) students with a mean age of 7 years were tested to determine whether specific formats of interrogatives would be instrumental in inducing the generation of effective verbal mediators. Ten EMR Ss and 6 normal Ss were tested on 21 paired associates in each six experimental…

Examined were the effects of verbal labels alone and in combination with two types of instruction on the concept attainment of 80 educable mentally retarded and 80 normal boys of school age matched for mental age. For learning the concept "equilateral triangle" Ss were randomly assigned to one of four experimental treatment conditions: verbal…

Twenty 3-year-old, home reared, Down's Syndrome children and eight 3-year-old normal children were studied to examine the verbal learning characteristics of Down's Syndrome children in typical preschool learning tasks. Prior to the study, research on characteristics of verbal learning deficits in retarded individuals and on verbal skill training…