Session commenced once more with strong social reference upon greet and successful reference to the visual schedule to initiate the transition. Familiar "walking song" facilitated brief reference as we transitioned to his room. He placed his back pack on the pillow following a single presentation of the directive. Picture choices were readily available to assist with initial use of picture exchange in order to avoid the need for redirection to the pictures following reach for the desired items themselves. Picture strip contained 7 possible choices this session. He consistently removed picture and reached to place it in my hand 16 times during the session with the intent to choose the same task and/or choose a new task. Social reference was highly variable this session however.
Opportunity to make specific "color" choice requests within a sequence within a task was introduced. He successfully scanned the color options and requested specific colored items belonging to the task on 6/6 trials for 8 consecutive repetitions of the activity. Verbal imitation of the color label was noted on 4/6, X2, 3/6, X2, 2/6, X1, and 1/6 X3. Strong use of carrier phrases during the exchange cycle facilitated verbal label of the color twice prior to the exchange rather than after. The focus continuing to be on the shaping of the reactive verbalization into proactive initiation of verbalization in order to increase spontaneous requesting. Santino appeared to be a bit tired today overall, as he was observed to "stare " off for brief periods. Overall another strong session as his use of picture exchange to indicate his requests continues to increase. Session closure was again indicated by the familiar clean up song, Attention was directed to the visual schedule in order to remove my picture. He independently removed my picture, and placed it in the pocket following verbal supports. Focus was then placed on Dorothy's arrival, and he again immediately turned to the window anticipating her arrival. He verbalized " Bye" as I exited following Dorothy's model.