Increasing the Social Interaction of Two Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Peers

Year 2018, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 62 - 74, 31.12.2018

Zuhar Rende Berman

https://doi.org/10.20489/intjecse.506844

Abstract

This study examined the effect of the Group Affection
Activities (GAA) on social interaction of two preschool- aged children with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their same-aged peers. In addition to the
music group activities, the main component of the GAA game learning activities
and peer-training were integrated into the intervention. Five peers were
trained on how to interact with the target participants of the study. This
including initiation of and responding to initaiations through means of both verbal
and nonverbal communication acts during free play. This study utilized a case
study design with an ABAB model revealed that improved rates of social
interactions were associated with the presence of the intervention. The
findings agree with those reported by previously conducted studies, however the
maintenance and generalization of improved interaction skills remain to be of a
great concern. It is suggested that in order to address this important issue,
an intervention program combining the Group Affection Activities with
peer-training should be systematically integrated into early childhood
curriculum and implemented for all to benefit.

Keywords

Social interaction, Group affection activities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Peer-training

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