Evaluation of a Pilot Clinic-Based Social Skills Group

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a pilot clinic-based social skills group at the KK Child Development Unit, Singapore. This programme was conducted by an occupational therapist and a speech and language therapist for children with autism spectrum disorder or language delay. It incorporated a cognitive behavioural approach to teach specific social behaviours (for example, sharing) and learning-related social skills (for example, group participation). Outcome measures were used pre-group and post-group to assess the short-term impact of intervention. The results indicated the potential usefulness of the pilot programme. The findings are discussed in relation to the occupational therapist's role and perspective in social skills programming and social skills in the Singapore context.