Socially Interactive Learning Avatar Software (SiLAS): Investigating the Efficacy of a New Social Skills Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are associated with deficits in social interaction and emotional expression (Attwood, 2000). If not addressed, these deficits may result in increased anxiety or depression as a result of social withdrawal, loneliness, or social isolation (Bellini, Peters, Benner, & Hopf, 2007; Bauminger, Shulman, & Agam, 2003). Various intervention approaches have been developed to improve social skills deficits in ASD, but many are minimally effective and do not generalize past the end of the intervention. Socially Interactive Learning Avatar Software, or SiLAS, was developed with the goal of generalization of social skills by using self-management techniques and virtual reality technology. The following study investigated the efficacy of the SiLAS program in improving the emotional and social skills of children with autism. Children ages 6-12 took part in a 10-week intervention that used either SiLAS (experimental group) or a traditional paper-based social skills curriculum (control group). SiLAS was found to result in increased social skills, decreased problem behaviors, and greater parent satisfaction. These findings were maintained twelve weeks after the end of the intervention classes. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorders, social skills, intervention, virtual reality, self-management.