#Echoics: 4 Things to Know in #2021 - #ABATherapy

This video is the next in our series about Skinner's verbal behaviour.

Skinner created the verbal operants which are:
Echoics
Mands
Tacts
Intraverbals
Autoclitics

What are echoics?

Echoic is another word for vocal imitation.

An echoic is when the learner repeats exactly what the instructor says.

Echoics are identical to their verbal model.

How do we teach echoics?

The first step is to do an assessment to determine what the learner is able to do and where there's room for change.

In a vocal imitation program we want to teach the learner the behaviour of repeating.

We use shaping and reinforcement to gradually get to an exact match of what has been said.

Why teach echoics?

Echoics are a precursor skill to all of the other verbal operants.

The learner repeats what is heard and assigns meaning to the words. Being able to imitate is a fundamental skill that all people need to learn. When they can imitate our language we can teach other operants.

What are transfer trials?

As previously mentioned, echoics are a foundational skill. Once a learner has mastered vocal imitation, one way to move on is to use transfer trials.

A transfer trial bridges the mastered skill of vocal imitation with the new skill (manding, tacting etc).

Use an echoic to name the item BUT we do not reinforce.
Prompt the learner to use the vocal response to request or label.
When the learner repeats the vocal response then reinforce!

Echoics are a fun way to engage a learner.

For Additional Information about Side by Side Therapy or to contact Lindsey Malc, BCBA:

Call Us: 1-877-797-0437

[paulasilver]

Great introduction and even better animations to help understand new ABA Therapy Terms!

[ericnowak]

Every #Parent with an #Autistic Child can benefit from these short #ABATherapy videos! Thanks for providing these amazing #Autism Tips!