Teaching Persistence in Social Initiations to Children with Autism: A Portable Video Modeling Technology Denise Grosberg Claremont Graduate University.

Teaching Persistence in Social Initiations

to Children with Autism: A Portable Video

Modeling Technology

Denise GrosbergClaremont Graduate University

Marjorie H. CharlopClaremont McKenna College

Persistence

What is persistence in social initiations?

Persistence in social initiations is key to social development (Weiss & Harris, 2001)

• Formation of Meaningful Friendships• Gaining Self-Esteem• Confidence• Coping with Rejection

Social Initiation Research

Past research has focused on social initiations with one peer (Krantz & McKlanahan, 1993)

Few Studies have examined persistence in social initiations (Kohler, Strain, Maretsky, and DeCesare, 1990)

Technological interventions motivate children with autism to socially initiate (Nikopoulous & Keenan, 2003)

What is Video Modeling?

Participants are:• Shown a short video of models engaging in the

targeted behavior• Given an opportunity to engage in the

targeted behavior• No additional prompts or reinforcement are

given

What is Video Modeling Used For?

Video modeling has been found to effectively increase:• Adaptive skills

• ATM use (Alberto et al., 2005)• Simple meal preparation skills (Rehfeldt et al., 2003)• Making coffee (Bidwell & Rehfeldt, 2004)• Purchasing skills (Alcantara, 1994)

• Social and Communication Skills• Compliment giving (Apple et al., 2005)• Speech, writing, and taking turns (Neumann, 2003)• Conversational Speech (Charlop & Milstein, 1989)

• Academic• Generative spelling skills Kinney, Vedora, & Stomer, 2003)

• Play• Verbal and motor play sequences (D’Ateno et al., 2003)• Cooperative play (Moore, 1989)• Pretend play (Allen, 1994; MacDonald, 2009)• Play-related statements (Taylor et al., 1999)Academic

Video Modeling: The Next Generation

Developments in portable technology have allowed for advancements in other areas• PECS and PDAs (Miller, Leroy, Huang, Chuang, & Charlop, 2006)

The next step is leveraging technology to make video modeling portable

A Portable Video Modeling Intervention (PVMI) What is a PVMI?

Why Use a PVMI?

Can be used independent of adult assistance Compact size and convenience Feasibility Social Acceptability

Research Questions

Can children with autism of varying functioning levels learn persistence in social initiations using a PVMI?

Can persistence in social initiations be generalized and maintained over time and across settings with familiar and unfamiliar peers?

Participants

4 children with autism (2 high functioning/2 moderate functioning)

Claremont Autism Center 3 confederate peers• Typical siblings

Name Chronological Age Functioning Ability Age-Equivalent

Nick 8 years 3 months 7 years 4 months

Kelly 7 years 3 months 5 years 8 months

Jake 8 years 2 months 6 years 0 months

Mike 9 years 3 months 8 years 3 months

Experimental Design

Multiple Baseline Across Child

Baseline• “Now it’s time to play, pick a toy and choose a friend to play

with”

Experimental Design

Intervention

• Criterion-100% accuracy in asking up to 3 peers to play over 2 consecutive sessions

Peer 1 Peer 2 Peer 3

Clip 1 Yes

Clip 2 No Yes

Clip 3 No No Yes

Experimental Design

Generalization • Indoor community setting with familiar peers• Outdoor park setting with unfamiliar peers

Follow-Up• 1 and 2 months after intervention

Discussion

A PVMI increases opportunities for social engagement

Importance of social skills training in the natural environment (Charlop-Christy et al., 1999; Halle, Baer, & Spradlin, 1981)

A PVMI is unique from previous social skills interventions• Independence• Mobility• Feasibility & Social Acceptability

Limitations

Need for replication

Individual child characteristics

Future Considerations

Generalization to untrained peers and settings

Video quality and variability

Conclusion

Children with autism of varying functioning levels can learn complex social skills if they are highly motivated by the intervention tool

Recommendation to expand the PVMI to other complex skills, children, and settings

Thank You!

Questions?Contact: [email protected]