Improving Conversational Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders:A Pilot Study of the Teaching Interaction Procedure (TIP)

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often impaired in their ability to generate and maintain conversations with others (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Poor conversational skills inhibit children with ASD from appropriately interacting with peers and family members, often prohibiting them from developing satisfying relationships with others. The teaching interaction procedure was utilized in the present intervention to improve conversational skills in four children with an ASD. Children ages 7-11 participated in an outpatient social skills group over a period of 10 weeks. Results suggest the teaching interaction procedure was effective in improving conversational skills for all participants. This study highlights issues related to conducting short-term group therapy with individuals with ASD.