Using a Multimedia Social Skills Intervention to Increase Social Engagement of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display impairments in social interactions and communication that appear at early ages. Fewer social engagements of children with ASD with peers often lead to long-term negative outcomes, such as social isolation and restricted language and cognitive skills. Although there is a clear need for social skills training for children with ASD, evidence-based practices are often not implemented for young children in school settings. The authors describe the Superheroes Social Skills program, a social skills intervention that combines multiple evidence-based practices, for use with young children with ASD. A case example is provided to describe the implementation and utility of the program for addressing social engagement skills of children with ASD and peers. Results of the case example suggest that the intervention contributed to greater engagement of children with ASD with peers during a free-play period.