Increasing reciprocal social interactions using collaborative art activities: An intervention for children with...

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Special Education
• Communication Sciences

Background:

• Children with complex communication needs often face challenges in peer interactions.
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies are essential for these children.
• Integrating AAC with collaborative learning frameworks may enhance social participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of collaborative art activities on reciprocal social interactions.
• To examine the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in these interactions.
• To assess engagement levels and communication roles of children with complex communication needs.

Main Methods:

• A single-subject withdrawal design was employed.
• Two dyads of children with complex communication needs and their peers participated.
• Collaborative art activities, including photography, were used as interventions.

Main Results:

• Both dyads showed significant improvements in social interactions.
• Dyad 1: 64% improvement (Intervention One), 100% improvement (Intervention Two).
• Dyad 2: 100% improvement (Intervention One), 96% improvement (Intervention Two).

Conclusions:

• Collaborative art activities show strong potential for facilitating peer interactions.
• Art-based interventions can effectively support social engagement for children using AAC.
• These findings suggest a promising approach for inclusive educational settings.