| The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children has increased dramatically since autism was first identified by Kanner in the 1930s. To address this increase, new behavioral treatments have emerged, including video self-modeling (VSM). VSM has been successful in treating a variety of ASD symptoms, ranging from communication deficits to play skill deficits. VSM uses edited video clips that allow a child to view him or herself successfully performing the targeted skill. This study used a multiple baseline design to examine whether VSM could improve the length of time a child with ASD remained socially engaged with his or her sibling. The sample included three children, aged 3-6, who had been diagnosed with ASD. The three children's siblings were used as targeted social engagement partners. Visual analysis, combined with level of performance, non-overlapping data points, and effect sizes were used to determine significance. All three children demonstrated significant gains in verbal social engagement time and were able to maintain these gains once treatment was removed. Two of the three children made significant gains—and one child made moderate gains—in gestural-based social engagement time. All three maintained these gains after the treatment ended. This study also established that the VSM treatment was an acceptable treatment by using the social validity scale, Intervention Rating Profile (IRP-15). This research project directly influences social change by providing parents and professionals a relatively low cost treatment alternative for children with autism spectrum disorder. |
