Further examination of the effects of order of stimulus presentation on receptive discrimination

Abstract

Recent research has demonstrated that the order of stimulus presentation during auditory-visual discrimination training may influence the rate of skill acquisition. Results of some studies have suggested that presenting the sample auditory stimulus prior to the comparison visual stimuli may enhance learning for typically developing children. However, replication efforts in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in structured discrete-trial formats have produced mixed results. The purpose of the current study was to further evaluate the role of stimulus order during auditory-visual discrimination training to learners with ASD or speech delays during discrete trial instruction. Five of the six children who participated in the study acquired the skills faster during the sample-first stimulus condition.