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. 2014 Jul;44(7):1659-70.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-014-2037-6.

Using discrete trial training to identify specific learning impairments in boys with fragile X syndrome

Scott S Hall  1 , Kristin M Hustyi, Jennifer L Hammond, Melissa Hirt, Allan L Reiss
Affiliations

Using discrete trial training to identify specific learning impairments in boys with fragile X syndrome

Scott S Hall et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2014 Jul.

Abstract

We examined whether discrete trial training (DTT) could be used to identify learning impairments in mathematical reasoning in boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Boys with FXS, aged 10-23 years, and age and IQ-matched controls, were trained to match fractions to pie-charts and pie-charts to decimals either on a computer or with a trained behavior analyst using DTT. Participants with FXS obtained significantly lower learning rates on the fractions to pie-charts task, and were more likely to perseverate on previously reinforced responses during learning compared to controls. These data suggest that DTT can be used to identify specific learning impairments in boys with FXS, as well as other low-functioning individuals with developmental disabilities.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Math stimuli employed in the study
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Top panel Screenshots of the trial presentation employed in the computer-assisted DTT. On an “unprompted” trial (left), the sample stimulus is displayed at the top of the screen, and the three comparison stimuli are displayed in a horizontal row at the bottom of the screen. On a “prompted” trial (right), the two incorrect distracters are moved away from the bottom of the screen to facilitate correct responding on the trial. Bottom panel Photographs of the trial presentation employed in the teacher-assisted DTT. On an unprompted trial (left), the three comparison stimuli are displayed in a horizontal row closest to the student. On a prompted trial (right), the two incorrect distracters are moved away from the student to facilitate correct responding on the trial
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Proportion of correct responses obtained on unprompted trials (top panel), proportion of prompted trials received (middle panel) and overall learning rate (bottom panel) obtained for participants in each group
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Odds ratios computed from the trial-by-trial data. Each odds ratio indexes whether a prompt, error correction, or reinforcement was more likely to result in the participant selecting a correct response on the next trial. 95 % confidence intervals are shown
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