A STUDY TO ASSESS THE LEVEL OF STEREOTYPED BEHAVIOR AMONG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN AUTISM SMILE LEARNING CENTRE AT PUDUKKOTTAI

J. Salomi Sangeetha*, Sampoornam W. and P. Padmavathi

ABSTRACT

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often interfere with learning and socialization. This study aimed to assess the level of stereotyped behavior among children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) attending the Autism Smile Learning Centre in Pudukkottai. The sample involved 50 children aged between five and ten years old. They were given Gilliam Autism Rating Scale 3- Subscale Stereotype behavior to determine how frequent or intense their stereotypical behaviors were. Results showed that most of the participants had at least moderate levels of stereotyped behavior with some even having high levels. Given such findings it is imperative for interventions targeting this type of conduct among children diagnosed with ASD be designed around each individual child’s needs.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Stereotyped Behavior, Children.