Effects Of Social Cognition Based Peer Mediated Intervention To Improve Social Competence Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of social cognition based peer mediated intervention to improve social competence among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Objectives

• To found the severity of the Autism Spectrum Disorder among children by using Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA)


• To measured social competence behaviour among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by using Social responsiveness scale (SRS - 2)

Methodology

This quasi – experimental research study was conducted on 6 to 12 years old aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder for 6 months at OPD, Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy, Coimbatore. Seventy children were included in this study. Children were divided into two groups (Control group (N = 35) and Experimental group (N = 35)). In this study, control group received conventional occupational therapy interventions (45 minutes), experimental group received Conventional occupational therapy (25 minutes) and social cognition based peer mediated interventions (20 minutes). This study conducted for 24 weeks. The participants had undergone initial assessment for 2 weeks, interventions for 20 weeks (Both control and experimental group) and follow up assessment for 2 weeks.  Further, the collected pre and post data values were analyzed by measuring mean, standard deviation, t value and p value. Finally, the data analysis was interpreted by using SPSS version 29 respectively.

Results

The analyzed results indicated significant changes between control and experimental group. The results were showed the effects of social cognition based peer mediated intervention strategies on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this study proposed Social cognition based activities, peer mediated techniques (such as video modeling and role play) to improve interpersonal skills, social participation and adaptive functioning skills among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.