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ERIC Number: ED547582
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 112
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-2674-9902-8
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
An Investigation of the Effects of a Computer-Based Intervention on the Social Skills of Children with Autism
Cipolla, Dayna Summer
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Pacifica Graduate Institute
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suffer from numerous social and communicative deficits that create difficulties when interacting with their peers, adults, and their social community. An increased prevalence of problem behaviors has also been found in children with ASD, and it is likely that such problem behaviors interfere with the child's ability to enter and sustain mutually enjoyable relationships. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of using an interactive computer program on the social skills and problem behaviors of children with autism. The study used a randomized wait-list control design. Fifteen children with autism used the computer program once a week for 30 minutes for 4 weeks while the control group received no treatment. Results were measured through pretest and posttest scores on the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) for parents, teachers, and students, 8 years and older. Analysis of the SSIS parent and teacher form indicated that all 7 subdomains of social skills, Self-Control, Engagement, Empathy, Responsibility, Assertion, Cooperation, and Communication, showed a greater improvement in social skills for the intervention group than the wait-list control group. The 4 subdomains of problem behaviors Internalizing, Hyperactivity/Inattention, Bullying, and Externalizing, also showed a greater decrease in all 4 subdomains of problem behaviors. Examination of the pre- and posttreatment student forms, for the 7 subdomains of social skills, indicated that 5 of the 7 subdomains showed a greater decline in social skills for the intervention group than the wait-list control group. Students in the intervention group also experienced a higher percentage of increase in all 4 subdomains of problem behaviors when compared to the wait-list control group. Possible reasons for the lack of notable social and behavioral changes may be the low sample size, children responding in a socially desirable way, and the age of the participants. The current findings suggest the need for future research regarding the examination of the effectiveness of this interactive computer-based program in improving the social interaction skills of children with autism. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A