A component analysis of a behavioral skills training package used to teach conversation skills to young adults with autism spectrum and other developmental disorders

We conducted a component analysis of a behavioral skills training (BST) package to teach conversation skills to young adults with autism and/or developmental disorders. Performance following each component of the package was compared to a task analysis that included both vocal and non-vocal conversation skills, such as making comments related to the conversation topic, maintaining eye contact, maintaining and appropriate distance from the conversation partner. The components of the BST package included instructions, modeling of an appropriate conversation, rehearsal, rehearsal with feedback, in situ training with feedback provided to the participants in a private training room, and in situ training with feedback plus reinforcement. Results suggested unique components were correlated with acquisition of the conversation skills across participants. Results are presented as they relate to effective components of BST and implications for providing BST to individuals in clinical contexts.