ERIC Number: EJ984592
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Nov
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
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Available Date: N/A
A Social Competence Intervention for Young Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Minne, Elizabeth Portman; Semrud-Clikeman, Margaret
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v16 n6 p586-602 Nov 2012
The key features of Asperger Syndrome (AS) and high functioning autism (HFA) include marked and sustained impairment in social interactions. A multi-session, small group program was developed to increase social perception based on the assumption perceptual or interpretive problems underlying these social difficulties. Additionally, the group format espoused a play therapy orientation and the use of sociodramatic play was the primary therapeutic modality used. Qualitative analyses of the data resulted in an explanation of the key changes in social interactions that took place through the course of the intervention. Although each participant's experience in this group was unique, all children in this program demonstrated improvements in their social interactions, as they experienced development both emotionally and behaviorally. Findings suggest that, despite their rigid interests and behavior patterns, the social limitations of these children improved when provided with the necessary environmental resources. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Asperger Syndrome, Children, Interpersonal Competence, Social Cognition, Play Therapy, Dramatic Play, Intervention, Group Activities, Behavior Development, Emotional Development, Program Effectiveness, Pilot Projects
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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