Randomized Controlled Trial of a Video Gaming-Based Social Skills Program for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Video Gaming-Based Social Skills Program for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Video Gaming-Based Social Skills Program for Children on the Autism Spectrum

By Renae Beaumont, Hugh Walker, Jonathan Weissand Kate Sofronoff

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.”

Reference

Beaumont, R., Walker, H., Weiss, J., &Sofronoff, K. (2021, January 03). Randomized controlled trial of a video gaming-based social skills program for children on the autism spectrum - journal of autism and developmental disorders. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-020-04801-z

Keyword

Autism, children, online, video game, social skills training, parent-supported, research