Autism Treatment The Pivotal Skills Trainer

描述(由申请者提供)：这个STTR(第一阶段)项目开始将未开发的科学发现转化为一个改进的软件工具，用于教育患有自闭症谱系障碍和其他残疾的儿童。该项目评估了一套培训教师使用名为Pivotal Skills Trader的软件的方案，并审查了这样做是否会提高学龄前儿童在电脑上和电脑外的功能性沟通技能。儿童计算机课程的一个主要特点是，它们与当今最好的循证课程和干预实践相联系。儿童课程的独特之处在于：(A)它们通过使用高趣味视频作为奖励和教学线索来最大限度地激发学习动机，获得这些线索的途径可以是自主的；(B)它们通过构建与班级和线索组成部分的互动参与以及通过鼓励流利的类别学习来增强对复杂教学线索的关注；(C)它们通过教授自我发起的社会化例程来培养独立性和自发性，从而让他人参与到所学到的计算机课程中来。该项目的具体目标寻求令人信服的软件产品及其用户培训包的有效性、效率和可取性的初步演示。目标一是评估教师的培训及其对关键技能培训师的使用满意度(通过前测-后测设计和消费者满意度调查)。目标2是验证教师使用关键技能培训师是否提高了儿童的技能集(采用多重基线和交替处理设计)。目标3审查了关键技能培训师的商业潜力(通过独立的咨询和批评)。在第二阶段，对改进和扩展的产品和培训包的评估将包括目前使用该公司主要软件标题的学校、诊所和家庭。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This STTR (Phase 1) project begins the translation of untapped scientific findings into an improved software tool for teaching children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. The project evaluates a package to train teachers to use software called the Pivotal Skills Trainer and examines whether doing so improves preschoolers' functional communication skills both on- and off-computer. A major feature of the children's computer lessons is that they are linked to the best of today's evidence-based curricula and intervention practices. The children's lessons are unique because (a) they maximize motivation for learning by using high-interest videos as rewards and instructional cues, access to which may be self-determined; (b) they enhance attention to complex instructional cues by structuring interactive involvement with classes and components of cues and by encouraging fluent category learning; and (c) they foster independence and spontaneity by teaching self-initiated socialization routines for engaging others about computer lessons learned. The Specific Aims of the project seek a compelling initial demonstration of the effectiveness, efficiency, and desirability of the software product and its user training package. Aim 1 is to evaluate the teachers' training and their satisfaction in using the Pivotal Skills Trainer (with pretest-posttest designs and consumer satisfaction surveys). Aim 2 is to verify that teacher's use of the Pivotal Skills Trainer improves children's skill sets (with multiple baseline and alternating treatments designs). Aim 3 examines the commercial potential of the Pivotal Skills Trainer (with independent consultations and critiques). In Phase II, the evaluation of a refined and expanded product and training package will include the schools, clinics, and homes that currently use the company's principal software title.