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

سلیمانی وجدان, شهرام; پورمحمدرضا- تجریشی, معصومه; بیدهندی یارندی, راضیه

doi:10.22054/jcps.2026.83807.3180

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

مقالات آماده انتشار

نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی

نویسندگان

شهرام سلیمانی وجدان ¹

معصومه پورمحمدرضا- تجریشی ²

راضیه بیدهندی یارندی ³

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

10.22054/jcps.2026.83807.3180

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

Autism

Picture Exchange Communication System

Single-Case

Social Skill