Improving the Quality of Family Video Calls with an Activity Schedule

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

Spring 2024

First Committee Member

Dickson, Chata A.

Second Committee Member

Verriden, Amanda L.

Abstract

For individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who live in residential settings, video calls represent an opportunity to stay connected with their families. However, limited social skills and disruptive behavior might represent an obstacle to the quality of interactions during video calls. The purpose of this study was to improve the quality of family video calls for two individuals diagnosed with ASD who were enrolled in a residential school. We collaborated with families to develop individualized video call schedules that included preferred parent and child components. The intervention resulted in improved parent satisfaction with the calls for both children. For one participant, the intervention also resulted in longer video calls, higher levels of child engagement, and a decrease in disruptive behavior.

This document is available upon request to Western New England University faculty, students, and staff. Please contact D'Amour Library at dref@wne.edu for access.

Share

COinS