Effect of two multi-component interventions on vocal stereotypy and task performance of a high school student with autism spectrum disorder*

This study evaluated the effect of two multi-component interventions in reducing vocal stereotypy and increasing task engagement especially in learning situations among children with developmental disabilities. The participant was a 17-year-old high school student with autism spectrum disorder. He had very limited communication skills and a high level of vocal stereotypy that interfered with learning. Based on an alternating treatment design, a multi-component intervention with a redirection prompt using sound and a multi-component intervention with a redirection prompt using activity engagement were conducted by behavioral therapists during learning activities in a hospital-based behavioral therapy room. According to the results of the study, both multi-component interventions were effective not only in reducing vocal stereotypy but also in increasing task performance in learning situations. There was no significant difference between the two multi-component interventions in reducing vocal stereotypy. Based on these results, practical applications of the vocal stereotypy intervention methods were discussed.