Lost in the autism spectrum : assessment and intervention for improving social competence in high functioning girls displaying 'autistic-like' behaviours : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MEdPsych in Educational Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
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Date
2014
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
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The Author
Abstract
This
study
is
about
a
focused
social
skill
intervention
for
pre--pubescent
girls
with
high
functioning
‘autistic--like’
behaviours
to
improve
their
social
competence.
Participants
were
four
girls
between
the
ages
of
8--12
years
who
participated
in
the
16--session
programme
over
an
8
week
period.
Using
a
case
study
design
and
a
mixed
methods
approach,
the
intervention
used
video
modelling
to
address
the
visual
learning
preference
known
inherent
to
those
with
ASD
along
with
the
incorporation
of
the
SOLO
taxonomy
to
meet
their
systemising
strengths.
The
results
showed
that
when
provided
with
a
targeted
intervention
their
social
skills
behaviours
improved
and
problem
behaviours
decreased.
This
study
identified
that
girls
with
‘autistic--like’
behaviours,
when
identified
and
provided
with
targeted
intervention,
have
the
ability
to
develop
skills
to
engage
in
positive
reciprocal
interactions
with
peers,
adults
and
family.
The
study
concludes
with
identifying
limitations
and
future
research
needs.
Description
Keywords
Autism spectrum disorders, Treatment, Assessment, Girls, Mental health, Social skills, Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Psychology::Applied psychology