Randomized Controlled Trial of a Video Gaming-Based Social Skills Program for Children on the Autism Spectrum. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Families often face financial and geographical barriers to services for children with autism. The current study explored the effectiveness of a parent-supported adaptation of the computer game-based social skills program Secret Agent Society (SAS). Seventy child-parent dyads were randomized to SAS (n = 35) or a caregiver-supported cognitive skills training game (CIA-control comparison; n = 35), both completed over 10 weeks. Child participants were on the autism spectrum and aged seven to 12 years (60 boys, 10 girls). SAS participants improved more than CIA participants on parent-rated social skills and problem behaviors and teacher-rated social skills. Findings suggest the intervention may be a convenient, cost-effective therapeutic approach, especially during times of restricted face-to-face service access, such as COVID-19.

publication date

  • January 3, 2021

Research

keywords

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Autistic Disorder
  • COVID-19
  • Video Games

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC7778851

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85098671288

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1007/s10803-011-1328-4

PubMed ID

  • 33389304

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 51

issue

  • 10