Thesis
The effect of the DIR/Floortime model on communication in children with autism
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2007
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102689
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the treatment outcomes of the DIR/Floortime model, a developmentally-based treatment approach for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) developed by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder (1998). Three preschool and early-elementary-aged participants were pre-assessed using the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales, (Prizant & Wetherby, 2001), the Social-Emotional Growth Chart (Greenspan, 2004), and a researcher-developed questionnaire. Following pre-assessment measures, participants received 10-weeks of DIR/Floortime treatment with a speech-language pathologist. Because the gestalt of this treatment model was based on parent training and participation, this was emphasized in treatment. In addition, parents were encouraged to complete home treatment logs to monitor the number of treatment session participants received daily. Following 10-weeks of treatment and parent training, a post-treatment assessment was completed using the same measures as those completed in the pre-assessment. Data were compiled by comparing results from the pre- and post-assessments, as well as data from therapy sessions and selected control behaviors. Results for the individual participants were diverse; however, there were several trends among participants. Participants exhibited the greatest increases on measures of verbal communicative means, communicative functions, and social-affective signaling. Participants exhibited minimal gains on measures of symbolic capacities, and gestural and vocal communicative means. Two of the three participants displayed decreased or consistent usage of gestural and vocal communication, which occurred with a marked increase in verbal communicative means. Clinical implications, limitations of this study, and further suggestions for future research were also discussed.
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Details
- Title
- The effect of the DIR/Floortime model on communication in children with autism
- Creators
- Maurita F. Birkland
- Contributors
- Jeanne Johnson (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Sociology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525165301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis