Abstract
This study examined the differential effect of a highly structured adult-directed behavioral treatment condition and a more flexible child-oriented blending of behavioral and developmental treatment strategies in a clinical group setting with autistic children. The children with autism following the more flexible child-oriented treatment condition engaged significantly more in higher-order play activities allowing for peer proximity and demonstrated better social functioning during activities with other autistic peers. A relation of child-oriented teaching utilizing less intrusive prompting to more developmentally appropriate play as well as social functioning was found. The findings suggest that child-oriented play and social skill interventions in the clinical context, although being applied in a group of autistic children, may facilitate social functioning and engagement.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 413-423 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2014 |
Keywords
- Autism
- Engagement
- Play
- Social functioning
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental and Educational Psychology