Effect of Discrete Trial Training Intervention on Social Skills Development of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The present study examined the effect of Discreet Trail Training (DTT) intervention on improving social skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Social Skill Profile (ASSP) was adapted and used as an instrument for identifying the children and a DTT based intervention package was developed. The study participants consisted of six children with ASD aged 11-17 year. All the children received pre-test and post-test to examine the effect of the intervention. The results showed a statistically significant difference at the level of significance (.004) between the pre-test and post-test scores in social skills profile. The finding showed that DTT based intervention can improve social skills (self-control, communication and playing or working with others) of children with ASD.  The DTT based intervention programs need to be used in the schools, this will maximize the benefits for children with ASD Finally, the study suggested the importance of large-scale intervention studies with larger sample size and diverse settings.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Discrete Trial Training; Pre-test, Post-test experimental design, Social Skills

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/13-13-02

Publication date:August 31^st 2023