Study of semantic features training effectiveness on word definition skill in high-function autistic children

Aim and background: Definition of a term is a function through which you can obtain main features of each word or the same basic information in relation to each word. One of the main problems of autistic children is a defect in language semantics. They have poor memory performance in storing vocabulary information. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic curriculum based on semantic terms training semantic on improving word definitions skills of 4 high-function autistic children.Methodology: After studying literature and interviews with experts, a treatment program was tailored to the needs of autistic children first. After determining content validity, its effect on word definitions skill of high-function autistic children was investigated. This research is among quasi-experimental case studies with ABA design. 4 high-function autistic children were selected using simple and non-randomized convenience sampling method to participate in a 13-session therapeutic program based on semantic features.Findings: The designed program, with content validity of CVR≥0.75 was approved by speech and language pathologists. Then, results of the program were evaluated using chart drawing, ocular analysis, de Cohen effect size calculation, and recovery rate. Effect size in all 4 children was more than 0.8 and following a treatment program, all patients showed high rates of clinical recovery. The children obtained higher scores on the content aspect of word definition than on structural aspect. It may be due to emphasis on teaching semantic features during the course of the program. Findings of this research showed that some of the responses to word definitions are more important in terms of application. In term of content, responses to functional, objective, particular category and second type combination and in term of structural aspect, phrase/quasi-sentence or simple sentence, vague and specific complex category responses showed the most frequencies.Conclusion: The planned treatment program has sufficient content validity and can be implemented in all speech therapy centers. Regarding the studies on the effect of designed treatment plan on the content of word definition in 4 autistic children with high-performance and their increased scores, it can be concluded that the planned treatment program has the potential to improve their ability since the treatment results were relatively stable follow-up stage. Also, increasing rates of higher-level responses may be regarded as another witness to the changes in their word definition skill, following the treatment program. It should be acknowledged that, by receiving a treatment program, these children will be able to improve their word definition skill, in a relatively short period of time. By comparing the results in these 4 children, motivation, linguistic level, family involvement in repetition of exercises or implementation of other rehabilitation treatments in children can be mentioned as factors contributing to their improvement. Another point to note is that, in most cases, during the final treatment sessions, gradient of change graph of the children has not been stabled yet. Until the end session, there has been an increase in scores and improvements in skills. From this observation, it can be concluded that the treatment protocol has the potential to increase the number of training sessions to further enhance the children skills.

Keywords:

Autism , Word definition , Semantic features