Effectiveness of the Joint Attention Training Program on Neuropsychological Abilities and Mental Flexibility of Children with High-functioning Autism

 Autism is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with autism are known to have qualitative defects in communication and social interactions, as well as repetitive and limited behaviors. In addition, these children have deficits in joint attention. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the joint attention training program on the neuropsychological abilities and mental flexibility of children with high-functioning autism aged 3 to 7 in Abadan City, Iran.

A semi-experimental design with pretest-posttest and a control group was conducted in 2021 for 30 children with high-functioning autism disorder in Fereshtagan and Noandish centers in Abadan, Iran. The sampling was performed in an accessible way and via the randomized balanced blocks method in the experimental and control groups. Moreover, the assignment and joint attention training program was implemented in the intervention group. The data were collected using the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ, Ehlers and Gillberg, 1993), Continuous Performance Task (CPT, Connors, 2004), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST, Grant and Berg, 1948). The obtained data were analyzed through the multivariate covariance test and at a significance level of 0.05 using the SPSS software.

In the intervention group, the mean (standard deviation) of neuropsychological abilities decreased from 7.82 (0.93) in the pre-test to 6.26 (0.84) in the post-test (P<0.001). In the intervention group, the mean (standard deviation) of cognitive flexibility decreased from 7.00 (1.00) in the pre-test to 6.22 (0.70) in the post-test (P<0.001).

Considering the effectiveness of the joint attention training program in improving neuropsychological abilities and mental flexibility, the implementation of this program is recommended for preschool counselors and psychologists to improve the conditions of children, especially those with high-functioning autism.