Implementation of the Power Card Strategy to Increase Appropriate Social Commenting of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder During Game Play

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of the Power Card strategy in increasing social commenting of three children with ASD to their peers while playing a game. The Power Card strategy is an antecedent strategy, which incorporates the child’s special interest into a script and steps to show her or him how to engage in the appropriate target behavior. Previous studies have shown that the Power Card strategy is effective when used to teach social skills. However, there have been mixed findings on the impact the Power Card strategy has on commenting during gameplay. Therefore, additional research is needed to evaluate if the Power Card strategy can increase social commenting. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the Power Card strategy on the frequency of comments three children with ASD made to peers during a game. Results can be interpreted to support the Power Card strategy as effective in increasing the frequency of comments made to peers while playing a game. Additionally, response generalization and stimulus generalization occurred across all three participants. Behavioral staff and participants’ parents reported that the Power Card was an effective strategy and noted an increase in independent commenting in other environments.