Metapragmatic Training of Conversational Skills in ‘Near-Normal’ Autistic Individuals: A Program Implmented by Parents and Socially Validated

Abstract

This report describes a program used 1) to train conversational skills to ‘near-normal’ autistic individuals using caregivers and 2) to socially validate the program. Four ‘near-normal’ autistic individuals, three trainers, and eight social validators participated in the program. Overall, it was found that the trainers could make meaningful changes in conversational skills using the therapy paradigm outlined. However, some individual problems were noted. The social validation procedures indicated that at least three of the four autistic procedures indicated that at least three of the four autistic individuals made improvements in conversational skills. However, the relative importance of certain aspects of conversations was no addressed. Finally, a call for more research utilizing the various components of a conversatinally based, parent implemented and socially validated clinical-research program is made.