Enhancing Social Skills in Adolescents with High Functioning Autism using Motor-based Role-play Intervention

Credentials Display

Sharon A. Gutman, PhD, OTR, FAOTA; Emily I. Raphael-Greenfield, PhD, OTR; Neal Carlson, OTR; Rachel Friedman, OTR; Amanda Iger, OTR

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to collect pilot data evaluating whether a motor-based role-play intervention using a canine animal assistant can enhance social skill use in two adolescents with HFA. A single subject ABA design across two participants was used. The intervention consisted of four 1-hour sessions over 4 weeks. The quality of social interaction was measured by the Evaluation of Social Interaction (ESI) administered at baseline and the 3-month probe. Frequency of targeted social skill use was measured during baseline, intervention, and probe phases. Participant 1 experienced statistically significant increases in both ESI scores (p = .012, t = -5.488) from baseline to the 3-month probe. Participant 2 also experienced a statistically significant increase in ESI scores from baseline to probe (p = .002, t = -10.167), but he was unable to fully maintain these gains at the 3-month probe. This pilot study’s findings suggest that the intervention produced positive effects in both participants and warrant further investigation.

Recommended Citation

Gutman, S. A., Raphael-Greenfield, E. I., Carlson, N., Friedman, R., & Iger, A. (2012). Enhancing Social Skills in Adolescents with High Functioning Autism using Motor-based Role-play Intervention. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1019