The operant speech training of a cri-du-chat adolescent : a single case study

The thesis examines the efficacy of using speech training procedures with a cri-du-chat adolescent. Research evidence suggests that neither the 'cat-like cry', laryngeal abnormality or level of severe mental retardation are sufficient to warrant precluding cases of the syndrome from speech training. One aim of the study is to determine whether operant training procedures are more effective than attention-control procedures with a case of the syndrome. The subject is trained in two situations, the individual room and ward, during daily training sessions. The statistical analysis in the individual room demonstrates that the subject's verbal imitation is significantly greater in the operant than in the control procedures. The results of the subject's verbal object labelling responses to criterion indicates no significant differences between conditions. However, the follow-up assessment shows that the subject retained significantly more verbal object labelling responses to criterion in the operant than in the control procedures. In the ward situation it is argued that operant speech training is significantly more effective than control procedures in increasing the subject's vocalisations to nurses. Social ratings show that both the subject's socialisation and violent and destructive behaviour increased from the control to operant procedures. The overall findings support the view that a cri-du-chat adolescent can benefit from a speech training programme. Furthermore that operant speech training conducted in two situations, an individual room and ward, during daily training sessions is significantly more effective than a combined control approach.