Functional academics and independent living skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, tool for developing skills among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term and a neuro developmemtal disorder which complicates the social and communication aspects of a child along with repetitive and stereotypical behaviour. Research and experiences have suggested that children on the spectrum can improve if provided with a proper routine, schedule and a structure. Children with Functional academics and independent living skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a tool developed and used as a curriculum for teaching children with autism spectrum disorder. We have been using functional assessment checklist programming (FACP) and Psycho educational Profile (PEP) for teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The developed tool will help special educators as a programme for teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The tool is administered with 10 children having being diagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder studying in the NIEPMD model school as a part of pilot testing. Coefficient of reliability was done using Cronbach’s alpha, and the variability of the tool was done using factor analysis. The result indicated that the tool Functional Academics and Independent living skills for ASD (FAMILIS) is a reliable and valid tool for evaluation and to develop skills.