DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS OF CHILD WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD LEVEL USING FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION TRAINING

Abstract

This study was classroom action research that aimed to develop the social skills of a preschool child with autism spectrum disorder through the use of Functional Communication Training (FCT) aligned with situational and contextual demands. The participant was a five-yearold boy who was diagnosed having autism spectrum disorder by a medical professional. He had developmental delay in both social and communication area. Based on the communication abilities assessment, He had communication skills equivalent to those of a typically 2-year and 11-month-old child. He had difficulty in understanding others' emotions and feelings and forming peer relationships. He was unable to communicate his needs effectively and, often demonstrated problem behaviors such as pushing peers. The research tools included four Positive Behavior Support (PBS) plans and the social skills assessment form. Data were collected through behavioral observations during structured social skills teaching activities. The data were analyzed using content analysis, percentages, frequency counts, and frequency distributions.
The results indicated that Functional Communication Training (FCT), aligned with situational and contextual demands, effectively enhanced the social skills of children with autism at the early childhood level.