The Use of the Social Skills Module Training to Teach Appropriate Communication Skills to a Student with Autism

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of video modeling (VM) in order to improve conversational skills using on-line instructional modules, self-monitoring, modeling of socially appropriate skills, and provide coaching opportunities within a controlled setting to an adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using an ABAB Reversal design, direct observations of the participant\u27s identified target behaviors were collected two times per week during a controlled setting. Overall, data demonstrated that the combined treatment package was effective for improving the frequency of targeted social skills for the participant, including an additional four sessions that were needed to assess acquisition of targeted skills due to the participant graduating from high school and going on a 2-week vacation. Generalization was provided to the participant throughout the study outside of the controlled setting. However, data collection was obtained and scored by the primary researcher and a trained graduate student. In addition to current research this study complements evidence that a combined intervention presented via computer may be a beneficial method for addressing social skill difficulties for individuals with ASD