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Improving Empathic Communication Skills in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Lynn Kern Koegel1, Kristen Ashbaugh2, Anahita Navab3
1Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, Koegel Autism Center, Graduate School of Education, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-9490, USA. lynnk@education.ucsb.edu.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|November 2, 2015
Summary
This study shows a video-feedback intervention effectively improved verbal empathy in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants demonstrated enhanced empathetic statements and questions, with lasting communication improvements.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Communication Sciences
Background:
- Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face challenges in recognizing and expressing emotions, impacting empathetic communication.
- Difficulties in verbalizing empathy can hinder social interactions and relationships for adults with ASD.
Observation:
- A novel video-feedback intervention incorporating a visual framework was implemented.
- The intervention aimed to enhance verbal empathetic statements and questions during conversations.
Findings:
- The intervention significantly improved the verbal expression of empathy in adults with ASD.
- Participants showed sustained improvements and generalization of empathetic communication skills.
- Supplemental assessments revealed enhanced overall empathy and communication confidence.
Implications:
- This intervention offers a promising approach for improving social communication in adults with ASD.
- Findings suggest potential for broader application in therapeutic settings for neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Enhanced empathetic communication can lead to improved social integration and quality of life.
Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderEmpathySharing emotionsSocial conversationSocial-emotional reciprocityMore Related Videos
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