<p>Children on the autism spectrum frequently struggle to interact effectively with others, a struggle that may be related to their challenges in understanding others’ perspectives. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining thought bubbles and multiple exemplar training to enhance Theory of Mind (ToM) skills in children on the autism spectrum. Two Chinese boys aged 7 and 8 enrolled in regular school participated in this study. A single-case experimental design with multiple probes across behaviors was used to evaluate the effects of the training on the participants’ skills. Findings revealed that the combined training package effectively facilitated participants’ acquisition and maintenance of ToM skills. Furthermore, the ToM training increased appropriate social interactions and decreased inappropriate behaviors during free play sessions, suggesting it is effective in fostering the generalization of ToM skills to social interactions in natural settings. Positive feedback from participants’ parents and peers confirmed the acceptability of the training.</p>

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The Effects of Thought Bubbles and Multiple Exemplar Training on Theory of Mind Skills for Children on the Autism Spectrum

  • Xiumei Hu,
  • Yongqiang Ma,
  • Gabrielle T. Lee,
  • Xiaohui Sun,
  • Ningning Mao,
  • Fang Zheng,
  • Xiaoyi Hu

摘要

Children on the autism spectrum frequently struggle to interact effectively with others, a struggle that may be related to their challenges in understanding others’ perspectives. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining thought bubbles and multiple exemplar training to enhance Theory of Mind (ToM) skills in children on the autism spectrum. Two Chinese boys aged 7 and 8 enrolled in regular school participated in this study. A single-case experimental design with multiple probes across behaviors was used to evaluate the effects of the training on the participants’ skills. Findings revealed that the combined training package effectively facilitated participants’ acquisition and maintenance of ToM skills. Furthermore, the ToM training increased appropriate social interactions and decreased inappropriate behaviors during free play sessions, suggesting it is effective in fostering the generalization of ToM skills to social interactions in natural settings. Positive feedback from participants’ parents and peers confirmed the acceptability of the training.