A Single Case Study on Yaya’s Role in the Behavioral Development of Autistic Children

Abstract

Autism is a developmental disability characterized by a disorder in basic psychological functions. Several autism-related disorders are grouped under the heading Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Special educational programs using behavioral methods have proven to be helpful. These are programs that tends to enhance their ability to communicate and socialize with other people. The programs suited for autistic children have been the subject of many researches. This research focused on program intervention designed to strengthen Eye Contact behavior. The research aims to: ( 1) determine the perceptions, attitudes and views of Yayas on autistic children; (2) identify the problems encountered by the Yayas in taking care of their wards; (3) to determine the extent in which Yayas affect the behavioral development of autistic children; and (4) to formulate and implement a training program geared specifically to be administered by the Yayas. The research employed a quasi-experimental research design to determine the effect of the training program and the kind of reinforcement used. The researcher conducted a semi-structured interview o gather data on perception, attitude and view of a yaya. A behavioral checklist was constructed and Systematic Observation was done to record the desired behavior. An Eye Contact Training Program was administered to a single child by his yaya while the researcher records the desired behavior. The research found that the perception, attitude and view of the yaya towards her ward affect the quality of care that was rendered to the child. Lack of understanding and knowledge on the nature of the disorder limits their capacity to extend proper care to the child. In line with this, most of their problems can be traced on insufficient information on what the child can and cannot do, and understanding of the nature of their behavior. The Eye Contact Training Program has a considerable effect on developing the Eye Contact behavior of the child. This was shown on the Pre- and Post- administration of the program wherein the response changed from poor and low to moderate. However, the results of the program cannot be used to account to the overall effectivity of the program because of the limited period of administration. In line with this, several recommendations were given to those concerned with the research. Recommendation on the implementation and administration of the program, reinforcements to be used and the work environment were also given.