The Effectiveness of a Computer-based Intervention on Improving Social Skills, Face Processing and Emotion Recognition in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a computer-based intervention called Facesay, on improving social skills, face processing and emotion recognition in students with autism spectrum disorder. The present study was a semi experimental study using control group, pre and post test design. The study sample was 30 atustic students with high function, aged between 7-12, from puyesh autism school. They were selected by purposive sampling and according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were assigned into two control and experimental groups. Both groups completed Social Skills Rating Scale (SSRS), Benton Facial Recognition Test (BFRT) and Emotion Recognition Test in pre and post test phases. The experimental group received facesay program in 20 sessions. Control group used a simple program about painting. Data were analyzed multivariate analysis of covariance. Findings by confirmed the effect of computer-based intervention on improving social skills, face processing and emotion recognition in students with autism spectrum disorder.