Acquisition and transfer of sentence construction in autistic students: Analysis by computer-based teaching

In this study, we examined the conditions necessary to construct appropriate sentences in three autistic students using computer-based training and testing procedure. In Experiment I, when a picture was presented on the computer display as a sample stimulus, the student was required to construct an appropriate sentence with five words. After training with three stimuli, each student could construct the correct sentence for 24 untrained stimuli. Appropriate vocal responses also emerged. In Experiment 2, the appropriate use of particles, which specify the subject and the object, was acquired by particle choice or sentence construction training. The rule was transferred to untrained stimuli and writing response. These results are discussed in terms of applicability of computer-based training for establishing appropriate sequential responding and particle usage in autistic students. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.