Ep. 39- ABA in One Take- Intraverbal acquisition; The addition of sensory modalities to a learning channel

In our accidental two-part series, we explore a little discussed topic in verbal behavior. The concept of learning channels and the role of stimulus equivalence training. A learning channel is essentially the classification of a prompt or task based on the types of sensory modalities that it encompasses. For example, holding up a laminated card and saying, “What is this?” would be an example of a HearSeeSay learning channel. However, there may be evidence to support that the addition of different sensory modalities within a learning channel can increase the acquisition speed of an intraverbal target. These authors attempt to demonstrate this by comparing acquisition speeds of traditional learning channels and learning channels with additional sensory modalities. In a slightly complicated article, the authors dovetail the discussion into a very practical takeaway and makes suggestions for the teaching of intraverbals for kids or adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Thakore, A., Stockwell, A., & Eshleman, J. (2021). Learning channels: The role of compound stimuli in the emergence of intraverbal relations in children on the autism spectrum. Analysis Verbal Behavior, 37(1), 97–122. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40616-020-00142-1