The Effects of Therapy and Parental Involvement on Social Skill Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Behind every behavior lies a message so in autism those messages are spoken in a language the heart must learn to understand. So Autism doesn't come with a manual it comes with a unique individual who teaches you how to see the world. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience core challenges in social communication and interaction, which impact their ability to form relationships and engage meaningfully with peers. These social deficits can lead to isolation, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. In this study we explores the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches and the role of parental involvement in enhancing social skills among children with autism spectrum disorder  (ASD).  Focusing on three intervention types, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), DIR/Floor Time, and technology-assisted therapy the research assessed their impact on key areas of social development: peer interaction, communication, and social initiation.  Additionally, the study examined how varying levels of parental involvement (high vs. low) influenced treatment outcomes. A total of 200 children participated, with social behaviors tracked before, during, and after intervention to measure both immediate gains and long-term effects.  Results revealed that children who underwent structured therapy demonstrated significantly greater improvements in social skills compared to those without intervention.  DIR/Floor Time significantly improved peer engagement and emotional reciprocity, while ABA demonstrated the greatest effectiveness in improving communication and initiating social interactions among the treatments. The findings highlight the importance of tailored therapeutic approaches and active parental participation in promoting social development in children with ASD.