Advanced Social Communication Skills for Young Children with Autism: a Systematic Review of Single-Case Intervention Studies

Sarah G. Hansen, Rebecca J. Frantz, Wendy Machalicek, Tracy J. Raulston

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

The extant literature on social communication interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been well reviewed. However, current reviews of the literature indicate more research is needed on advanced social skills for young children with ASD. These more complex social skills, such as sustaining a conversation, showing empathy, or telling a joke, are critical for peer acceptance in the elementary school years. In the current paper, we reviewed the existing single-case literature on social communication interventions for advanced social skills for young (4–12-year-old) children with ASD. We define advanced social skills using the task analysis of the Social Behavior and Social Play—Level 3 subsection of the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). Electronic database searches of Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Academic Search Premier, and PsycINFO were conducted. Results revealed a library of useful interventions for a specific set of social communication skills; however, some crucial skills for children with ASD were missing from the results. Directions for future research and practice are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)225-242
Number of pages18
JournalReview Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume4
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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