Effects of Virtual Discrete Trial Training on Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Effects of Virtual Discrete Trial Training on Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder categorized by deficits in social communication and the occurrence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The cautionary needs of children with ASD are significant, it affects parents and siblings as well and requires substantial social support. If adequate intervention is not provided to children with ASD on time, then they may face many difficulties for example in academic work. They face social isolation and may develop additional challenging behaviors. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is one of the most commonly used supported treatments for autism spectrum disorder. Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is one of the most structured Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) types. DTT is the best standardized therapy for ASD. The ABA explores human interactions with their environment over time and develops interventional strategies to diminish the decline in the troublesomeness of social behavior among individuals with ASD. DTT through video training Program will be an effective in improving the communication skills of children with ASD. The video training program offers excellent accessibility and is inexpensive because it can be administered remotely and at home as well. It also reduces the resource barrios.

A randomized controlled study was conducted on children aged between 3-10 years diagnosed with ASD at PSRD hospital having Different severity levels. DTT was provided through a video training program using digital technology with informed consent from their caregivers/parents. The sample size was 10. Both groups contain 5 participants. The treatment group will be trained on DTT through the video training program. Sessions were conducted thrice a week for 45 minutes. The duration of the experiment was 12 weeks. The control group did not intervene with the video training program during the experiment. Pre & Post language assessment was done through British Picture Vocabulary Scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age range between 3-10 years.
• Clinically diagnosed children from Psychologists were taken for study who had 2-3 words in vocabulary or no vocabulary at all.
• Each group received 3 weekly sessions for 45 minutes for 12 weeks.
• Video training was given through animated videos.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with any comorbidities e.g. Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Down's Syndrome and Hearing Impaired children will exclude from this study.
• Children diagnosed with severe autism.