automatic reinforcement to encourage speech

[Guest guest]

MY 3-year-old can mand with " words " and signs for anything he wants,

though not always absolutely clearly.

We've been using automatic reinforcement techniques with him for

approx 8 months, with no real increase in clarity of words,

imitation, etc.

In spite of his wanting the reinforcement, his vocals are just the

word of the day (cookie, gaga, dada, whatever).

Anybody have any magic advice regarding this techniques, or others

to increase vocalizations?

The therapists use it this way: Find powerful reinforcers, withhold

and say word (purple or whatever word),

My son will say something to get the reinforcer, sometimes it's

correct, sometimes not.

I think that he thinks he's manding.

We have the same problem with tacting. He definately knows what the

name of what he is tacting, but thinks he's manding for it if it's

something reinforcing.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,