Graduate Program
Communication Disorders and Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2011
Thesis Director
Tina Veale
Thesis Committee Member
Gail Richard
Thesis Committee Member
Brenda Wilson
Thesis Committee Member
Toni Chambers
Abstract
Fast mapping is a cognitive process that facilitates acquisition of new vocabulary through brief exposures to words and their referents. Research has shown that typically developing children and those with Down syndrome, specific language impairment, or mental impairment acquire new vocabulary through fast mapping, although with different levels of success. This study explored the effectiveness of fast mapping to facilitate vocabulary acquisition in children with autism. A multiple baseline across subjects design was employed with four children with autism. After a pre-test to determine which food and animal objects were unfamiliar to each subject, a series of fast mapping trials was presented. Each trial involved presentation of one unfamiliar and two familiar objects. Probes were conducted for all items that had been fast mapped at intervals of one hour and one day following the last treatment trial to evaluate retention. Data were analyzed though the application of visual inspection and descriptive statistics. Treatment results indicated that fast mapping was an effective method to facilitate vocabulary acquisition across all four children with autism.
Recommended Citation
Barcus, Lynne, "Vocabulary Acquisition Through Fast Mapping In Children With Autism" (2011). Masters Theses. 96.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/96
