ERIC Number: EJ782809
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1532-8759
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Available Date: N/A
Outcome-Based Evaluation of a Social Skills Program Using Art Therapy and Group Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Epp, Kathleen Marie
Children & Schools, v30 n1 p27-36 2008
There is a paucity of literature on social skills therapy for students on the autism spectrum, revealing an urgent need for additional research. Past research has focused on the use of small groups or single-case study designs. The present study examines the effectiveness of a social skills therapy program for school-age children ages 11 through 18. The program uses art therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques in a group therapy format to broaden and deepen the state-of-the-art techniques used in helping children with social developmental disorders to improve their social skills. Pre- and posttest instruments were distributed to parents and teachers in October and May of the 2004-2005 school year. Scores revealed a significant improvement in assertion scores, coupled with decreased internalizing behaviors, hyperactivity scores, and problem behavior scores in the students. Implications for social work and policy are discussed.
Descriptors: Autism, Hyperactivity, Group Therapy, Art Therapy, Interpersonal Competence, Elementary Secondary Education, Children, Adolescents, Student Evaluation, Program Evaluation, Program Effectiveness, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Research Needs, Social Development, Developmental Disabilities, Behavior Problems, Pretests Posttests, Outcomes of Treatment, Outcomes of Education
National Association of Social Workers (NASW). 750 First Street NE Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-227-3590; e-mail: press@naswdc.org; Web site: http://www.naswpress.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A