Detectives and Superheroes: A Pilot Study Teaching Flexible Thinking in Social Situations to a Child with High Functioning Autism

摘要

Complex social-cognitive deficits are common in individuals diagnosed with highfunctioning autism and Asperger syndrome. Research on effective and evidence-basedsocial interventions is needed for this population. This study focused specifically on thechallenges these individuals face with respect to flexible thinking and related flexiblebehaviour in social situations. Madrigal and Winner's (2008) Superflex curriculum -targets social flexibility, however at the time of this study no published research had been conducted to determine the effectiveness of this approach. This study was a pilot study, which sought to examine the impact of the Superflex curriculum within a 10-weektraining program in teaching one individual with high functioning autism how to thinkand behave flexibly in social situations. Multiple measurement tools were utilized, andanalyses within and across the measures revealed inconsistencies, especially with respect to generalization. Although preliminary, this study provided valuable information for subsequent research.