The treatments components typically found in
the eclectic group present study can be summarized as
follows: ABA would typically include working on
selected programs from ABA treatment manuals such
as matching, imitation or toilet training. Alternative
communication would typically include working
towards a symbol or sign based communication
system. Symbols were typically line drawings, Bliss
symbols or photographs taken of objects, persons or
activities from the child daily life. Signs would
typically be hand signs for expressing needs such as
‘‘Hungry’’, ‘‘Thirsty’’ or ‘‘Toilet’’. Both symbolic
communication and sign language are skills commonly taught in ABA programs and are included in
the first and second edition of the ABA manual used
in the present study (Bondy & Frost, 2003; Carr,
1981). However, in the eclectic group, teaching
procedures differed from those used in ABA. For