The Effectiveness of a Training Program Using Applied Behavior Analysis Techniques to Develop Verbal and Non-verbal Communication Skills among in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify the effectiveness of a training program based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques in developing communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) among a sample of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Sana'a City, Republic of Yemen. The study sample consisted of (20) children (13 males and 7 females) aged between (6-9) years, diagnosed with ASD and receiving rehabilitation at the "Sunrise" Center for Autism. The sample was randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (10 children) and a control group (10 children).

To achieve the study's objectives, the researcher prepared two main tools: the first was the "Verbal and Non-Verbal Communicative Behavior Rating Scale for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the second was the Training Program Based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Techniques for developing communication skills. The scale was applied to both groups as a pre-test. The experimental group then underwent the training program, which lasted for (5) months with (20) sessions, while the control group received no intervention. After the program concluded, the scale was applied again as a post-test, and then as a follow-up test one month after the intervention ended.

The study results showed a statistically significant improvement in the level of verbal and non-verbal communicative behavior skills among the experimental group after implementing the program, while the level of communicative behavior among the control group remained low, similar to the pre-test. The results also demonstrated the sustained effectiveness of the training program in developing communication skills among children in the experimental group in the follow-up measurement. No statistically significant differences were found in the responses of the experimental group members attributable to age or gender variables. Based on these results, the study provided a set of recommendations and proposals directed at families, specialized centers, and relevant governmental bodies to improve services provided to this population.