Communication

Abstract

Communication impairment is a core deficit associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, it should not be surprising that this topic has become a major thrust of assessment and treatment in applied behavior analysis (ABA). The types of communication skills to target for intervention and the behavioral assessment methods that can be used to identify these target behaviors are reviewed in this chapter. We also review historical and contemporary trends in the provision of communication intervention for individuals with ASD. An analysis of the strengths and-weaknesses of the literature will be discussed. Communication makes up one of the three core blocks of symptoms that make up ASD. Therefore, it should not be surprising that this topic has become a major thrust of assessment and treatment in the ABA literature. Types of behavior targets and methods used to do so, along with a review of the relevant research on key interventions, will be covered. An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the literature will be discussed. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.