A social competence intervention for young children with high functioning autism and asperger syndrome: A pilot study

Elizabeth Portman Minne, Margaret Semrud-Clikeman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)586-602
Number of pages17
JournalAutism
Volume16
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2012

Keywords

  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism
  • Group Intervention
  • Social Competence

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