The Iffectiveness of a Training Programme in Developing Language and Communication Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The present study aimed at identifying the impact of using a program based on language and communication skills in developing skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. To achieve this, the researcher selected a sample of )10( children )7 males and 3 females( with autism who enrolled in the early intervention center in Dubai. Their ages ranged between )36-66( months with a mean of 52.4 months and a standard deviation of 10.99. The researcher implemented the behavioral and assessment model before the implementation of the ABLLS-R early intervention training program through a multidisciplinary team within three months, during the first semester of the academic year 2016/2017. The assessmen model was applied again after the implementation of the training program for the teachers. After examining the research hypotheses using Wilcoxon test and determining Z score, the results indicated that there were statistically significant differences between the average ranks of children with autism after the implementation of the training program in favor to the post test. The differences were found in the areas of visual performance, receptive language, kinetic imitation, verbal tradition and social communication. Based on the results of the study, recommendations were made, the most important of them is the importance of using the language skills assessment system at the rehabilitation programs for children with autism in the early age stages, training of staff working in centers for children with disabilities, and early intervention programs.