Aplicação de tentativas discretas por cuidadores para o ensino de habilidades verbais a crianças diagnosticadas com autismo

Abstract

The cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are characterized by persistent deficits in communication and social interaction in multiple contexts. The diagnosis of ASD also involves the presence of repetitive behavior and restricted interests. Considering the need of intervention and the lack of qualified professionals to implement intervention the purpose of this study was to verify the effects of parent-implemented teaching programs (VI) on the performance of children (VD). Participants included three children diagnosed with autism and their respective caregivers. Through a multiple probe design, the independent variable (IV) was selectively implemented on each of the teaching programs. Caregivers carried out the intervention at home and had their performance, and the performance of their children, was evaluated in sessions conducted in the room of the APRENDE Project/UFPA. Their performance was monitored during every session. Two or more programs were selected for each child. Participant 1 reached criterion for performance accuracy in the following programs: "Tact of Actions", "Mand with Autoclitic", and "Intraverbal of Personal Informations" after 7, 13, 19 sessions, respectively. Participant 2 needed 24 to 48 sessions and the Participant 3, 5 to 38 sessions to achieve accuracy in the programs. Data show that the intervention via caregiver, guided by a behavior analyst, can be effective and appropriate to the social-economic context of Brazil, characterized by lack of governm.