Implementing a pivotal response social skills intervention with Korean American children with autism

Author / Creator

Kim, Sunyoung, 1982-, dissertant

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Summary

There is a growing need to consider cultural responsiveness for behavioral interventions for individuals with disabilities, given increasing diversity in the United States. The primary purpose of t...

There is a growing need to consider cultural responsiveness for behavioral interventions for individuals with disabilities, given increasing diversity in the United States. The primary purpose of this dissertation was to examine the effectiveness of pivotal response treatment (PRT) on social behaviors of Korean-American children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in their community settings. The secondary purpose was to analyze stakeholders' perceptions (i.e., parents, siblings, community members and the children with ASD) regarding satisfaction and feasibility. A mixed methods design was employed, including a single subject design to evaluate the efficacy of the PRT intervention and a qualitative case study to explain how stakeholders perceived the intervention in terms of its goal setting, procedures, and social behavior changes. Results indicated that peer-mediated PRT effectively increased the social interactions between Korean-American children with autism and their peers in community settings. Additional findings implied that stakeholders were satisfied with the intervention procedures and outcomes, particularly for the intervention's flexibility and applicability as well as children's natural social experiences with peers. Recommendations and implications for practitioners and future researchers are presented.

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