An Evaluation of Prompt Schedules and Mand Preference During Functional Communication Training

We evaluated the effects of different schedules of prompting (dense and lean) and different concurrent schedules of reinforcement on response allocation among multiple mand topographies (microswitch activation, card touches, and vocal requests) during functional communication training (FCT) with an individual diagnosed with autism and mental retardation. Results suggested that specific combinations of prompt schedules and concurrent schedules of reinforcement impacted allocation among mand topographies. Results also indicated that the individual displayed a preference for microswitch activation when equal concurrent schedules of reinforcement were in place for all three mand topographies.