Using time-delay to improve social play skills with peers for children with autism

J Autism Dev Disord. 2008 Feb;38(2):312-23. doi: 10.1007/s10803-007-0395-z. Epub 2007 Jun 2.

Abstract

Interventions that teach social communication and play skills are crucial for the development of children with autism. The time delay procedure is effective in teaching language acquisition, social use of language, discrete behaviors, and chained activities to individuals with autism and developmental delays. In this study, three boys with autism, attending a non-public school, were taught play activities that combined a play sequence with requesting peer assistance, using a graduated time delay procedure. A multiple-baseline across subjects design demonstrated the success of this procedure to teach multiple-step social play sequences. Results indicated an additional gain of an increase in pretend play by one of the participants. Two also demonstrated a generalization of the skills learned through the time delay procedure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Autistic Disorder / therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Child
  • Echolalia / diagnosis
  • Echolalia / psychology
  • Echolalia / therapy
  • Humans
  • Language Development Disorders / diagnosis
  • Language Development Disorders / psychology
  • Language Development Disorders / therapy*
  • Language Therapy
  • Male
  • Multilingualism
  • Peer Group*
  • Play and Playthings*
  • Reinforcement Schedule*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Verbal Behavior