| Description |
The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a multimedia social skills program in increasing the social engagement skills of 4 elementary-aged students with an autism spectrum disorder. The Superheroes Social Skills for Children with Autism program incorporates several evidence-based practices into one comprehensive curriculum, namely video-modeling, peer-mediated instruction, self-management strategies, and usage of social narratives. Generalization strategies are also embedded in the program. Typically developing peers, serving as "peer buddies," were nominated by their classroom teachers and participated in the social skills training. The intervention was implemented for 11 weeks with training occurring for 30 minutes twice per week in a public elementary school. Effects were primarily assessed through 10-minute filmed observations taken during both analog free play and recess sessions for baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases. During these observations, each participant's percentage of time spent socially engaging, including both social initiations and responses, was coded using an adapted version of the Bellini (2007) social observation system. Both effect sizes and the percentage of nonoverlapping data points (PND) were calculated. Pre- and posttreatment effects were evaluated for the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Autism Social Skills Profile (ASSP). Consumer satisfaction, social validity, and treatment integrity factors were also examined. |
