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Autism and Developmental Disorders
2021. Vol. 19, no. 2, 59–68
https://doi.org/10.17759/autdd.2021710207
ISSN: 1994-1617 / 2413-4317 (online)

Implementation of a Token Economy in the Process of Skills Development in Distance Learning Classes with a Child with ASD

 
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Abstract

The research conducted with a five-year-old child diagnosed with childhood autism evaluates the effectiveness of using of a token economy reinforcer system and discrete trial teaching method for establishing matching and discrimination skills (animal discrimination and matching identical stimuli), as well as answering yes/no questions about preferred items. Due to the pandemic, the child did not have the opportunity to attend rehabilitation centers, so the parents agreed to work in a distance format. For this study, the child’s mother was involved as a tutor, who was previously trained to provide prompts and rewards on time. Data collection was carried out online by a specialist. At the end of the training session, the percentage of correct reactions from the total number of samples was calculated. The results of the study demonstrated that the child has mastered these skills, and also partially generalized them in new environmental conditions. The study also showed that cooperation with parents who take part in the process as tutors in a distance learning format is very beneficial and successfully affects the acquisition of new skills, their generalization, as well as the quality of life of the child.

General Information

Keywords: autism spectrum disorders, childhood autism, rewards, discrete trials, tokens, computer, distance learn- ing, “Boom Cards”.

Journal rubric: Education & Intervention Methods

OpenAlex citations: 0

OpenAlex trends: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research, Behavioral and Psychological Studies, Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues

Information about the work in OpenAlex

Number of citations: 0

Topics

Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

This cluster of papers encompasses a wide range of research on Autism Spectrum Disorders, including genetics, neurodevelopmental aspects, social skills interventions, brain connectivity, epidemiology, executive functioning, early intervention, emotion recognition, and neuroanatomy.

Number of works: 157201  |  Total number of citations: 3110342

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Behavioral and Psychological Studies

This cluster of papers focuses on the use of behavioral interventions and evidence-based practices in special education, with an emphasis on functional analysis, positive behavior support, single-subject research, and intervention design standards. It explores topics such as classroom management, functional communication training, and response to intervention in the context of addressing behavioral challenges and promoting academic and social success for students with emotional or behavioral disorders.

Number of works: 109863  |  Total number of citations: 2229893

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues

This cluster of papers focuses on feeding disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders, including food selectivity, sensory sensitivity, nutrient intake, mealtime behaviors, and the impact on parental stress. It covers a wide range of topics such as pediatric feeding disorders, failure to thrive, and behavioral treatments for addressing feeding problems.

Number of works: 62319  |  Total number of citations: 366738

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Work details in OpenAlex

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/autdd.2021710207

Acknowledgements. The author of the article is grateful to her scientific advisor Yulia Erz for her help in preparing this research.

Published

For citation: Zayats, M.V. (2021). Implementation of a Token Economy in the Process of Skills Development in Distance Learning Classes with a Child with ASD. Autism and Developmental Disorders, 19(2), 59–68. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/autdd.2021710207

© Zayats M.V., 2021

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Maria V. Zayats, behavioral specialist, NPO «Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children “Our Sunny World”», Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5518-436X, e-mail: marina.zayats88@gmail.com

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