فاعلية برنامج تدريبي في ضوء النظرية السلوكية لتنمية مهارات استخدام اللغة الوظيفية لدى أطفال اضطراب طيف التوحد في عينة أردنية
The present study aims to examine the effectiveness a training program within the scope of Behavioral theory in improving functional language skills; Pragmatic. The Study sample consists of nine children with Autistic spectrum disorder from the Jordanian Academy of Autism, with ranging age of (4 to 8) years. To verify the results of study, one single subject research design with pretest and posttest was applied, To achieve the Purpose of the study, a Measure of functional language skills were constructed and applied, the measure consists of (85) item dived into seven main skills, since evidence of validity and reliability achieved. A training program based on behavior modification procedure was used to improve the functional language skills of children with autism spectrum disorder, since evidence of validity for it was achieved. Administration of the training was built the application program for a period of ten weeks (about 40 training session), the duration of each session (30) minute. The results of study showed significant improvement on all seven skills (Turn Taking, object Maintenance, Production of interconnected and sequential sentences, Taking into account the chronology, Initiation of Conversation, Eye contact, Use of non-linguistic aspects) for the sample. The most important recommendations that resulted from this study are as follows: to applicate the training program on a larger sample, and for a longer time, in addition to the need to conduct a detailed studies of the other components. (Published abstract)