1Masters of Occupational Therapy (
2
Objective of the study was to improve the social interaction skills in children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to reduce the abnormal behaviours in high functioning autistic children.
Children, in age group of 6–8 years, both males and females; with diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder were screened using Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment scale (ASD AS) to rule out moderate & severe impairment. Those with Mild ASD were subjected to 8 weeks of Occupational Therapy intervention focussing on social skills training (Group Therapy) along with Sensory integration therapy. In this observational cohort study; social skills assessment was done using ASD Social skills profile (ASD SSP); pre and post intervention.
Post intervention, there was an improvement in Social skill areas as reflected in the scores of ASD SSP. The pre-intervention mean score was (91.67 ± 0.97) which increased to (96.88 ± 0.97).
This result was statistically significant at P < 0.01
Thus, it can be concluded that there was improvement in social interaction skills with reduced abnormal behaviours post therapy in children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder. The children were more comfortable in consecutive group therapy sessions.
Mild ASD, Social Skills Training, Group Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration
