Tübinger Training for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TüTASS): a structured group intervention on self-perception and social skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Abstract

In autism spectrum disorders (ASD), social communication and stereotypical behaviour patterns affect all areas of life, and can result in a decrease of its quality. Previous research has shown promising results for the social skills of groups of children with ASD. Furthermore, a pilot study of the Tübingen Group Training for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TüTASS) has demonstrated that mindfulness-based elements achieve additional positive effects. To build on these findings, the TüTASS training was adapted and expanded. Indeed, the TüTASS currently includes 20 90-min appointments starting with the basic skills of emotions, body, and communication, which are then transferred to personal, family, peer, and school spheres. The appointments have a fixed, consistent structure and each includes a body awareness exercise. In this study, we evaluated the TÜTASS with 27 children with ASD. The results showed improvements in pre-post comparison in behaviours associated with autism, as well as in externalising and internalising behaviours as assessed by parent reports, participant self-reports, and independent raters in participating children. Furthermore, the perceived parent burden in relation to their children decreased, whereas the participants’ self-rated quality of life increased. Overall, both the participants and their parents rated the TüTASS very positively in rating sheets and in free feedback. If replicated in larger controlled trials, TÜTASS training might be a useful treatment tool for groups of children with ASD.

Speech Development and Communicative Demands in Autistic Children Using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

“…Regardless, top to bottom examinations revealed that the augmentations were somewhat modest.it was presumed that AAC mediations don't seem to impede talk age and may bring about extended talk creation, the modest expands viewed require down to earth desires among clinicians and various accomplices. Future research should be more theory driven and intend to perceive perceptive members characteristics, for instance, prior talk pantomime and article examination tendency 12,13 .…”

“…In 2019 the research was held on the many youngsters with mental imbalance inaccessible escalated guidance in the utilization of intensifying or elective correspondence frameworks 12,13 , for example, picture-exchange messaging system (PECS). The examination explored the utilization of PECS with three young men with autism to decide the effect of PECS preparing on utilization of images for mentioning, utilization of clear symbols, and dysfunctional practices.…”