The Efficacy and Effectiveness of Video Self-Modeling and Behavior Skills Training in social skill acquisition among Autistic children

Abstract

The current study aimed at The Efficacy and Effectiveness of Video Self Modeling and Behavior Skills Training in Social Skills Acquisitions among Autistic Children. People diagnosed with ASD might have social issues that include difficulty in interaction and communication with other people. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Sparrow, Cicchetti, &Balla, 2005) has been used. To effectively help the autistic child, the first step is identifying the symptoms. One reliable assessment tool is the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale or VABS. The scale has five domains that measure various areas of functioning. The domains are divided as communication, daily living skills, socialization, motor skills and maladaptive behavior. For this purpose sample of 4 Autistic children 2 Boys and 2 Girls were selected within age range of 7-13 years. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is thought to be highly effective in developing social initiation as well as social responses. According to Bandura (1969), Video Self Modeling is best way to use a similar model for the targeted person so VSM is highly effective approach and in Behavioral Skills Training procedure consists of a trainer initially providing instructions on how to engage in the target behavior. Results of the study revealed that the intervention is significantly effective to teach social skills to autistic children. Socialization skills Baseline (M=61.25; SD=6.13), Pre- Intervention (M=76.75; SD=11.15), Intervention (M=72.50; SD=8.74), Post-Intervention (M=77.00; SD=11.80). Video self-modeling has been vulnerable in the literature to be an effective treatment for individuals with autism, and this study has supported those findings. The present study has demonstrated the effectiveness of VSM alone to increase social interactions for this population. This study also demonstrated the effectiveness of BST+VSM to increase social interactions for autistic children. Limitations and recommendations for future studies are also discussed.