Social skills and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Lewis, Stephen (2021)
Lewis, Stephen
2021
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021112221184
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021112221184
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ABSTRACT
Stephen Lewis
Social Skills and Autism Spectrum Disorder
A Guidebook to Social Skills for People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
December 2021
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Social Sciences
This thesis is product based and its aim is to produce a guidebook for people with an autism spectrum disorder which highlights behaviour which could be considered inappropriate in certain social situations and suggests how to address and modify the behaviour. The guidebook is designed using input from service users of my work-life partner organization and their opinions on as to how the characters should look and what kind of content should be included within the guidebook. The aim is that by using a participatory approach the characters within the guidebook will be relatable, the content relevant, and engaging to the intended audience.
My interest in the area originates from over 20 years’ experience working with people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
The process of developing the product was initially made by identifying some key social skill areas in which people with an autism spectrum disorder have difficulties with. To proceed relevant literature was reviewed, as well as using first-hand experience of some of the client group within my workplace. A questionnaire was developed in which I drew characters that I hoped would appeal to the client group and was sent to another contact of the working life partner who work directly with people with an autism spectrum disorder to find out what they would be interested in learning more about and how they would like to develop the characters. Following the results of the questionnaire the guidebook focused on personal space, paying attention and listening skills, eye contact, talking too loudly and sharing.
The Handbook was given to a specific group within the work-life partners clientele and the level of engagement and results of reaching the aims and objectives are unclear. As a result, I have self-evaluated the product. There has been some positive feedback from staff who support the client but how much of an impact the guidebook may have had remains unclear. The conclusion is that this project attempted to work with a very diverse group of people with largely differing abilities and hinderances. As every person with an autism spectrum disorder is affected differently, hoping to produce something that will appeal and engage a large proportion of the client group was unrealistic. However, it may be of use to some individuals that it appeals to and the hope is that the product may enable some individuals to create connections or friendships.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Triad of impairments, Developmental Disorder, Theory of Mind.
Stephen Lewis
Social Skills and Autism Spectrum Disorder
A Guidebook to Social Skills for People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
December 2021
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Social Sciences
This thesis is product based and its aim is to produce a guidebook for people with an autism spectrum disorder which highlights behaviour which could be considered inappropriate in certain social situations and suggests how to address and modify the behaviour. The guidebook is designed using input from service users of my work-life partner organization and their opinions on as to how the characters should look and what kind of content should be included within the guidebook. The aim is that by using a participatory approach the characters within the guidebook will be relatable, the content relevant, and engaging to the intended audience.
My interest in the area originates from over 20 years’ experience working with people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
The process of developing the product was initially made by identifying some key social skill areas in which people with an autism spectrum disorder have difficulties with. To proceed relevant literature was reviewed, as well as using first-hand experience of some of the client group within my workplace. A questionnaire was developed in which I drew characters that I hoped would appeal to the client group and was sent to another contact of the working life partner who work directly with people with an autism spectrum disorder to find out what they would be interested in learning more about and how they would like to develop the characters. Following the results of the questionnaire the guidebook focused on personal space, paying attention and listening skills, eye contact, talking too loudly and sharing.
The Handbook was given to a specific group within the work-life partners clientele and the level of engagement and results of reaching the aims and objectives are unclear. As a result, I have self-evaluated the product. There has been some positive feedback from staff who support the client but how much of an impact the guidebook may have had remains unclear. The conclusion is that this project attempted to work with a very diverse group of people with largely differing abilities and hinderances. As every person with an autism spectrum disorder is affected differently, hoping to produce something that will appeal and engage a large proportion of the client group was unrealistic. However, it may be of use to some individuals that it appeals to and the hope is that the product may enable some individuals to create connections or friendships.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Triad of impairments, Developmental Disorder, Theory of Mind.