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.