Equivalence-Based Instruction for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Equivalence-based instruction (EBI) is a methodology to encourage the formation of relations among stimuli that are not explicitly taught, ultimately enhancing instructional efficiency. EBI is based on findings from both basic and applied demonstrations of stimulus equivalence technology, where an equivalence class is said to be formed when three relations are observed during post-tests symmetry, reflexivity, and symmetry. In recent years, a greater emphasis on efficiency has led to an increase in investigations that focus on enhancing interventionists’ ability to teach more skills in less time. In the following chapter an overview of stimulus equivalence and EBI is presented, along with a summary and discussion of the most recent literature focusing on teaching people with autism spectrum disorder.