The Effectiveness of Using Schema-Based ‎Instruction and an Applied Behavior Analysis-‎Based Program in Teaching Problem Solving ‎to Autistic Children ‎

Abstract

This study focused on examining the effectiveness of a program that aims to develop autistic children’s ability to solve problems with a focus on addition and subtraction. This program used schema-based instruction in combination with educational methods based on ABA. The study included seven different autistic children with ages ranging from 11 to 14 years old in the second semester of the academic year 2021/2022 in the State of Kuwait. The data collected showed that there was an increase in the children’s mean score in the problem solving test after the implementation of the program. The mean score on the test for problems focused on addition was 10 pre-program and 45 post-program. The number of problems focused on subtraction increased from 3 pre-program to 43 post-program. The Wilcoxon test showed a statistically significant difference between the children’s mean test score rankings on the test pre and post program, in favor of the post program scores. The Cohen’s D effect size was moderate, which indicates the effectiveness of the suggested program in improving the level of problem solving abilities in these children