The effectiveness of Dohsa method in social skills improvement and stereotypic behaviors reduction for children with high functioning autism

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of Dohsa intervention in social skills improvement and stereotypic behaviors reduction of children with high functioning autism. The research was based on single subject method. Seven children with high functioning autism (8 to12 years old) were selected through voluntary accessible sampling of autism foundation members (n=46). Children were attended in a 8-session intervention that occurs 2 time in a week and each session was 55 minutes. Assessment was performed using Gilliam Autism Rating Scale and Autism Social Skill Profile. Data was analyzed by the effect size method، dependent t and Wilcoxon. The results indicated significant difference in social skills and stereotypic behavior over time. Results showed that Dohsa intervention can improve social skills and reduced stereotypic behavior but it had no effect on detrimental social behaviors. Follow –up assessment showed that treatment results should be continued.