Abstract
Two groups of seven autistic children wore an auditory trainer for an average of 24 minutes per day over two 5- week periods interspersed with 5-week control periods in a time series design. Videotapes were coded for three attentional states (normal, withdrawn, attacking), for verbalization and signing, and for appropriate and acceptable behaviors. Results demonstrated a decrease in time spent withdrawn and increases in signing and in schoolappropriate behavior. Results are interpreted as congruent with Katz's theory of reduced attention due to deficits in auditory conductance.
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This research, project title “Language and Sensory Stimulation in Autistic Children,” was made possible by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (No. MH37035-02). We wish to acknowledge the substantial assistance of the teachers and administrators of Ingham Developmental Center in completing this work.
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Smith, D.E.P., McConnell, J.V., Walter, T.L. et al. Effect of using an auditory trainer on the attentional, language, and social behaviors of autistic children. J Autism Dev Disord 15, 285–302 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01531499
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01531499