Increasing Verbal Behavior in a Young Adolescent Girl with Catatonia and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Catatonia is a syndrome characterized as a cluster of difficulties in verbal and motor behavior that interferes with everyday function. This study analyzed the effects of a prompt-fading behavioral treatment package on the verbal behavior of an adolescent girl with autism and catatonia. Data were collected on three verbal responses previously observed in the participant’s repertoire, including “Hi,” “That sounds great,” and “Excuse me.” Instructors provided full manual guidance, in conjunction with a verbal model, when needed, to assist the participant in emitting the verbal responses. A functional relation was demonstrated between the prompt-fading package and the three verbal responses, and independent verbal responding emerged as manual prompts were faded. Responding was displayed across unfamiliar adults and maintained over time.