Comparison of Simultaneous Prompting Procedure in 1:1 and Small Group Instruction to Teach Play Skills to Preschool Students with Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Developmental Disabilities

Layperson Summary:

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) may be helpful in teaching play skills to children with autism.

This study was designed to see if simultaneous prompting would be useful in helping children with autism learn play skills. The study looked at small group therapy and one-on-one therapy. Children were observed for whether or not they acquired target pretend play behaviors. The study found no differences in the results between small group and one-on-one therapy sessions. The small group therapy sessions were harder to conduct, though, because of problem behaviors of many kids.

Scientific Abstract