It's a Family Affair: Social Communication in Children with ASD - Amy Donaldson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Improving social communication skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often the focus of intervention. However, generalization of skills can be a challenge. Recently, two intervention methods for targeting social communication have been found efficacious: peer-mediated intervention and video modeling. At PSU's Speech, Language & Hearing clinic we have been combining these methods to create a 'hybrid' social communication intervention, where the sibling of the child with ASD serves as the 'peer'. As such, this presentation will focus on the following: 1) discussion of social communication skills, particularly related to ASD; 2) examination of sibling-mediated intervention; and 3) examination of video modeling. Review of empirical evidence, as well as clinical application will be emphasized.