Effectiveness of a manualized summer social treatment program for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders.
This paper presents findings from the final two years of a four-year study investigating a manualized social treatment program for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders. The study sought to (1) replicate and expand findings from years one and two; (2) compare outcomes of participants who received response-cost feedback versus non-categorical feedback; and (3) provide further evidence of program feasibility. Results indicated significant improvements in social skills and problem behaviors, however no significant differences for face emotion recognition. Measures of several socially-related behaviors yielded mixed results based on rater. While parent ratings did not appear to favor one feedback format, staff ratings appeared to favor the response-cost format on some measures. Results also provided support for program feasibility.
Lopata
Christopher
C
Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 409 Baldy Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-1000, USA. cjlopata@buffalo.edu
Thomeer
Marcus L
ML
Volker
Martin A
MA
Nida
Robert E
RE
Lee
Gloria K
GK
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D016730:Program Development; D012621:Seasons; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires