Impact of Milieu Teaching on Communication Skills of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This 5-month study examined the impact of a behaviorally based naturalistic teaching strategy, milieu teaching, on the communication skills of preschool-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in an early childhood special education (ECSE) classroom. A multiple baseline across participants design was used. Communication targets were selected based on each child’s Individualized Education Plan. Milieu teaching strategies were implemented in two activities per day per target. Generalization and maintenance effects were also determined. Results indicated that milieu strategies are an effective means of providing communication skills instruction for young children with ASD in an ECSE classroom.