An Evaluation of a Behaviorally Based Social Skills Group for Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In this study we evaluated a social skills group which employed a progressive applied behavior analysis model for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. A randomized control trial was utilized; eight participants were randomly assigned to a treatment group and seven participants were randomly assigned to a waitlist control group. The social skills group consisted of 32, 2 h sessions. Teachers implemented a variety of behaviorally based procedures. A blind evaluator measured participants' behavior immediately prior to intervention, immediately following intervention, and during 16 and 32-week maintenance probes. Results of the study demonstrated that participants made significant improvements with their social behavior (p < .001) following intervention, and the results were maintained up to 32 weeks after intervention had concluded.
Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA. Jblautpar@aol.com.
Justin B
JB
Leaf
Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
Jeremy A
JA
Leaf
Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
Christine
C
Milne
Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
Mitchell
M
Taubman
Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
Misty
M
Oppenheim-Leaf
Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
Norma
N
Torres
Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
Donna
D
Townley-Cochran
Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
Ronald
R
Leaf
Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
John
J
McEachin
Vanderbilt Peabody College, 416B One Magnolia, Circle VU Mailbox, 228, Nashville, TN, USA.
Paul
P
Yoder
D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D066107:Social Skills
Applied behavior analysis; Autism; Progressive ABA; Social skills; Social skills groups