Abstract
The literature suggests that many individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience challenges with recognizing and describing emotions in others, which may result in difficulties with the verbal expression of empathy during communication. Thus, there is a need for intervention techniques targeting this area. Using a multiple baseline across participants design, this study examined the effectiveness of a video-feedback intervention with a visual framework component to improve verbal empathetic statements and questions during conversation for adults with ASD. Following intervention, all participants improved in verbal expression of empathetic statements and empathetic questions during conversation with generalization and maintenance of gains. Furthermore, supplemental assessments indicated that each participant improved in their general level of empathy and confidence in communication skills.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their appreciation to the participants in this study. In addition we would like to thank Ross Candelore and Ashley Anderson for their assistance with the data collection and analysis. This research was supported by Autism Speaks, Eli and Edythe Broad, and NIH Research Grant #DC010924. Robert L. Koegel and Lynn Kern Koegel are also partners in the private company, Koegel Autism Consultants. For additional information on this study please contact Lynn Koegel at lynnk@education.ucsb.edu.
Author Contributions
Lynn Kern Koegel, Kristen Ashbaugh, Anahita Navab, and Robert L. Koegel are at the University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA.
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Lynn Kern Koegel and Robert L. Koegel are partners in the private firm, Koegel Autism Consultants, LLC.
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Kern Koegel, L., Ashbaugh, K., Navab, A. et al. Improving Empathic Communication Skills in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 46, 921–933 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2633-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2633-0