UCSB Koegel Autism Center

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Autism Speaks Grant:

Utilizing Motivational Variables to Develop a Model of Social Facilitation in the School Environment for Adolescents with Autism

The Koegel Autism Center has received funding to examine structured socialization opportunities to determine their effectiveness in promoting positive social interactions between adolescents with autism and their typical peers.  We predict that incorporating motivational variables into structured socialization opportunities will increase the level of engagement and the rate of initiations of adolescents with autism toward their peers.  The specific motivational variables we will analyze include following adolescent choice, reinforcing all social attempts, and limiting social demands by interspersing maintenance and acquisition trials.

This project also involves training staff members in procedures of structured socialization opportunities.  Our goal is to improve the quality of life and social competence in adolescents with autism.  Results of this project will be disseminated in professional journals and at professional conventions.

Please contact us at autism@education.ucsb.edu for more information.