CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

The Impact Of Pivotal Response Teaching/Training With Peer Modeling On The

Social Play Of Children With Autism

Abstract

One of the most prevailing characteristics of children with autism is their deficit in social communication skills. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-mediated social skills training (SST) program combined with video feedback, positive reinforcement and token system in increasing social communication skills in young children with high-functioning autism. Four boys with high-functioning autism, ages 6-7 years, participated in the study. The social skills training, lasting 12 weeks, targeted six communication skills, selected after parent interviews and behavioral observation during a pre-training assessment period. One SST session was conducted each week, each session lasted 90 min and had six structured activities. The training effectiveness was evaluated through direct observation of a structured interaction period, using an observational coding system. Improvement was observed in three out of four children, although individual differences among children were seen for changes in two global scales as well as subscales. These results suggest that the social skills training was effective in improving social communication skills for some children with high-functioning autism. Clinical and research implications and future directions for social skills training as well as this study's limitations are discussed.

Acknowledgement

Though only my name appears on the cover of this dissertation, a great many people have contributed to its production. I owe my gratitude to all those people who have made this dissertation possible and because of whom my graduate experience has been one that I will cherish forever.

My deepest gratitude is to my advisor, (Name). I have been amazingly fortunate to have an advisor who gave me the freedom to explore on my own, and at the same time the guidance to recover when my steps faltered. Don taught me how to question thoughts and express ideas. His patience and support helped me overcome many crisis situations and finish this dissertation. I hope that one day I would become as good an advisor to my students as Don has been to me.

My co-advisor, (Name), has been always there to listen and give advice. I am deeply grateful to him for the long discussions that helped me sort out the technical details of my work.

Many friends have helped me stay sane through these difficult years. Their support and care helped me overcome setbacks and stay focused on my graduate study. I greatly value their friendship and I deeply appreciate their belief in me. I am also grateful to the Indian families that helped me adjust to a new country.

Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without the love and patience of my family. My immediate family to whom this dissertation is dedicated to, has been a constant source of love, concern, support and strength all these years. I would like to express my heart-felt gratitude to my family. My extended family has aided and encouraged me throughout this endeavor. I warmly appreciate the generosity and understanding of ...