Effectiveness of Choice-Making Training in Managing Repetitive Behaviours Among Children with Mild to Moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence from an Indian Exploratory Study

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) includes enduring deficits in communication and social interaction, as well as rigid and repetitive patterns of behavior, that cause significant impairments in a child's quality of life and adaptive function. Due to their inability to inhibit them, RRBs interfere with a child's ability to learn, interact, and carry out day-to-day activities and hence there is a need for behavioral interventions. This research analyzes the effectiveness of choice-making training in the reduction of problem behavior in children with mild to moderate Asperger's Disorder (AS)-Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children in India, employing a purposive sampling method of 5 children between the ages of 3 and 12 from a clinic in Hyderabad, India using participatory observation, behavioral assessments, interviews with caregivers and teachers. In this intervention the children were provided systematically structured choices with regard to tasks, materials and interactions. Intervention had a significant effect in reducing repetitive behaviors, increased engagement, social interaction and improved adaptive functioning. This study suggests that there is an immediate need for highly structured and choice-based interventions. The results of this research provide evidence-based support for behavioral intervention in ASD, and indicate a need to apply the existing research to various settings like Indian schools and familial intervention. The article ends with implications and future research questions to analyze long-term benefits of the intervention.