The Educative Effects of Positive Practice Overcorrection: Acquisition, Generalization, and Maintenance

ABSTRACT: An autistic child was treated for stereotypic vocal behavior using a positive practice overcorrection procedure which incorporated a specific learning objective into the treatment protocol. The child showed a rapid reduction in stereotypic vocalizations,and acquired, maintained, and generalized 24 social questions. Results are discussed with an emphasis on increasing the therapeutic value of overcorrection by programming specific learning objectives which are topographically similar into the procedure. By so doing, the educative rationale for overcorrection is enhanced.