Stimulus-Stimulus Pairing Study

A Pilot Feasibility Study to Increase Vocal Language in Minimally Verbal Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of the current study is to deliver the SSP procedure to children diagnosed with autism that do not have vocal language. The study will also aim to gather data in the natural environment using a voice recorder.

The purpose of this study is to teach children with autism who do not produce sounds or words to vocalize sounds or words by using the stimulus-stimulus pairing (SSP) procedure. The investigators will use SSP, an intervention based in behavior analysis, to try to help the child vocalize sounds. A vocal recorder will also be sent home so that the caregiver can record the child's vocalization at home. The caregiver will then be asked to return this so that the investigators can listen to it. By doing this, the investigators hope to learn if the treatment helps increase the child's vocalizations at home. Some children in the study will receive treatment immediately. Some children may enroll in the study now but not receive intervention until a later date. All children in the study will receive treatment within one year of enrolling in the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of autism
2. Currently do not emit vocalizations or minimally verbal
3. Willingness of the participant's parent/guardian to bring their child to the Marcus Autism Center for one-hour appointments, five days a week, for six weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Children with significant problem behavior that interferes with structured intervention