Experimental analysis of voice volume for children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Inappropriate prosodic production, or features of speech, is an often observed but rarely treated communication skill deficit in individuals with autism. Expanding on previous literature, we conducted a functional analysis (FA) on the voice volume responses (VVRs) of two children with autism spectrum disorder utilizing similar procedures to those of Edgerton and Wine. Then, we evaluated the efficacy of visual feedback from an app and a function-based treatment to decrease loud VVRs and increase appropriate VVRs. Results of the FA indicated loud VVRs were maintained by social negative reinforcement for one participant and by both social negative and automatic reinforcement for another. For one participant, the intervention decreased the use of loud VVRs and increased appropriate VVRs. For the other participant, the results of the intervention were inconclusive. Implications of conducting functional analyses and behavioral interventions to treat inappropriate voice volume are discussed.