Evaluating the Impact of Picture Exchange Communication System on Social Skills in Autism: A Single-Case Experimental Design Analysis

نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی

نویسندگان

1 ولنجک بلوار دانشجو خیابان کودکیار دانشگاه علوم توانبخشی و سلامت اجتماعی، گروه روان شناسی کودکان استثنایی

2 گروه روان شناسی و آموزش کودکان استثنایی، دانشکده علوم رفتاری و سلامت روان، دانشگاه علوم توانبخشی و سلامت اجتماعی، تهران، ایران

3 گروه آمار زیستی و اپیدمیولوژی، دانشگاه علوم توانبخشی و سلامت اجتماعی

چکیده

This study explored how the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) impacts social skills in children aged 7 to 10 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a single-case experimental design (A-B-C), four children with ASD were selected through convenience sampling from a rehabilitation center in Tehran. Their cognitive and social skills were assessed with Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and the Autism Social Skills Profile (ASSP), respectively. Each child participated in twelve individual PECS sessions, each lasting 45 minutes. After the intervention, assessments were repeated with the ASSP, and follow-up evaluations were conducted one month later. Data analysis included visual analysis, recovery percentages, and Cohen’s D effect size, using SPSS version 24. Results showed significant improvements in social skills due to PECS, with instructor-reported effect sizes of 1.6, 1.4, 1.2, and 1.6. Notably, gains were observed in social reciprocity (effect sizes: 1.4, 1.08, 0.98, 1.6) and social participation (effect sizes: 1.91, 1.77, 1.56, 1.73), while detrimental social behaviors decreased (effect sizes: 1.07, 1.1, 1.4, 1.2). Parental reports confirmed these improvements, highlighting enhanced social skills and fewer negative behaviors. Overall, the study suggests that PECS is an effective tool for improving social skills and reducing problematic behaviors in children with ASD, supporting their vital social development.

کلیدواژه‌ها


عنوان مقاله [English]

Evaluating the Impact of Picture Exchange Communication System on Social Skills in Autism: A Single-Case Experimental Design Analysis

نویسندگان [English]

  • Shahram Solimani-Vojdan 1
  • Masoume Pourmohamadreza-Tajrishi 2
  • Razieh Bidhendi Yarandi 3
1 Department of Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Koodakyar St., Daneshjoo Blvd., Velenjak,
2 Department of Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences
چکیده [English]

This study explored how the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) impacts social skills in children aged 7 to 10 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a single-case experimental design (A-B-C), four children with ASD were selected through convenience sampling from a rehabilitation center in Tehran. Their cognitive and social skills were assessed with Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and the Autism Social Skills Profile (ASSP), respectively. Each child participated in twelve individual PECS sessions, each lasting 45 minutes. After the intervention, assessments were repeated with the ASSP, and follow-up evaluations were conducted one month later. Data analysis included visual analysis, recovery percentages, and Cohen’s D effect size, using SPSS version 24. Results showed significant improvements in social skills due to PECS, with instructor-reported effect sizes of 1.6, 1.4, 1.2, and 1.6. Notably, gains were observed in social reciprocity (effect sizes: 1.4, 1.08, 0.98, 1.6) and social participation (effect sizes: 1.91, 1.77, 1.56, 1.73), while detrimental social behaviors decreased (effect sizes: 1.07, 1.1, 1.4, 1.2). Parental reports confirmed these improvements, highlighting enhanced social skills and fewer negative behaviors. Overall, the study suggests that PECS is an effective tool for improving social skills and reducing problematic behaviors in children with ASD, supporting their vital social development.

کلیدواژه‌ها [English]

  • Autism
  • Picture Exchange Communication System
  • Single-Case
  • Social Skill