Making the World Work with Microcomputers: A Learning Prosthesis for Handicapped Infants

Abstract

The contingency intervention system based upon an Apple II microcomputer is described. The purpose of the contingency intervention system is to (a) foster a generalized expectancy that the world is controllable and (b) lead the infant to use specific behavioral movements to explore the contingencies available. The use of the microcomputer to sensitively modify contingencies based upon continued analysis of the infant's movements is described. Finally, data from the performance of three Down's Syndrome infants (CA 3 to 6 months; MA 2 to 5 months) and one 10 weeks premature infant (CA 5 months, [uncorrected] MA 2 months) are presented. The use of the microcomputer as a behavioral microscope in infant intervention is discussed.