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ERIC Number: ED546933
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 167
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-2675-1453-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Dolphin-Assisted Therapy as a Verbal Operant Condition for Children with Autism
Terrasi, Renee Marie
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Barry University - Adrian Dominican School of Education
This study examined the effects of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT) as a reinforcer for verbal operant production in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Three children who attended a dolphin therapy program participated in this single subject research study. Baseline data was collected for each child via a video tape provided by parents and direct observations. A single subject ABABABA reversal design across settings was conducted to analyze the effects of DAT. Verbal operant production, verbal prompt required to produce the responses, as well as non verbal behaviors for each child were documented for each phase of the reversal design. Baseline data were recorded before any interaction with the dolphin. After a clear trend was established, the same data was collected during three dolphin sessions and three classroom sessions. Results obtained from visual analysis indicated that children with autism produced more verbal operant responses while requiring fewer verbal prompts during Dolphin-Assisted Therapy as opposed to a traditional classroom setting. In addition, a paired samples t test was conducted. The results showed a significant increase in verbal operant production as well as a significant decrease in the frequency of verbal prompting during Dolphin-Assisted Therapy Sessions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A