Transformation of Hierarchical Multiply Controlled Verbal Relations in Children With Autism in a Game of I Spy

Paliliunas et al. (2022) taught three kids with autism to play I Spy using tricky category rules. The game used PEAK-style lessons that move from big groups down to small ones.

Each child got short top-down training. Then they played I Spy with new items to see if the skill stuck.

All three kids learned the hierarchy and picked the right items during the game. They also showed new correct answers that no one had directly taught.

Noell et al. (2026) got the same result with table-top trials instead of a game. Both studies show brief equivalence training can build hierarchical classes and untaught responses.

Ming et al. (2018) used similar RFT drills and found class-inclusion gains in kids with and without autism. The 2022 paper adds a playful format that still works for autism.

Grannan et al. (2012) showed emergent intraverbals after tact plus match-to-sample. Paliliunas moves the emergent skill up one level: kids now emit correct choices based on nested category rules, not just list items.

You can swap long table-top drills for quick PEAK-style games and still grow complex categorical responding. Try building a short I Spy round with big-to-small hints during natural play. Track if the child picks untrained items that fit the same hierarchy. If it works, you just saved session time and made learning fun.