COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE COGNITIVE AND SOCIAL SKILLS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in early childhood through deficits in social-communication skills and restricted, repetitive behaviors, making it one of the pervasive developmental disorders. This social communication disorder and inadequacy in social interaction shown by children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is one of the diagnostic criteria for this syndrome according to the DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association. A quasi-experimental design was implemented with 20 participants in age 4 to 9 in rehabilitation center in Baku. The study investigated the effects of psychoeducational program strategies on children’s development. The participants cognitive, language and social skills were estimated using assessment tools. Statistical analyses indicated noteworthy improvements in cognitive skills and social abilities across children (p < .01). Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant gains in skills and abilities among learners in the psychoeducational program groups (p < .01). The results underscore the effectiveness of pedagogical approaches grounded in modern educational program for children with ASD. These outcomes indicate important implications for future research, teacher preparation, and the reform of new education policies.