Improving Collaborative Play Between Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Siblings: The Effectiveness of a Robot-Mediated Intervention Based on Lego® Therapy.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a brief robot-mediated intervention based on Lego(®) therapy on improving collaborative behaviors (i.e., interaction initiations, responses, and play together) between children with ASD and their siblings during play sessions, in a therapeutic setting.

A personal digital assistant for improving independent transitioning in adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a personal digital assistant (PDA) on independent transitioning between activities in a day treatment centre for youth with high-functioning ASD.

Methods: Within a multiple baseline design across four participants, data were collected on participant's transitioning and staff's prompting behaviour. Intervention by staff consisted of one technical instruction session on use of the PDA and non-specific instruction following incorrect transitions while not using the PDA, in the natural setting.

An outpatient group training programme for improving leisure lifestyle in high-functioning young adults with ASD: a pilot study.

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of an outpatient programme on the leisure lifestyle of high-functioning young adults living at home or at an independent setting.

Methods: A pre-test-post-test control group design was used. Participants (n = 12) completed self-reports on (a) need for leisure support, (b) leisure engagement and (c) satisfaction with leisure lifestyle.

Improving question asking in high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: effectiveness of small-group training.

Small-group training consisting of feedback and self-management was effective in improving question-asking skills during tutorial conversations in nine high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Training was implemented in a therapy room and lasted 6 weeks. Sessions were conducted once a week and lasted about an hour.