Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Intervention on Social Interaction Skills in Children with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder Gokhale Preetee S1, Sawant Parag2 1Masters of Occupational Therapy (Neurosciences), Vasant Vihar Counselling Centre, Thane 2Occupational Therapist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai Online published on 28 September, 2015. Abstract Objectives Objective of the study was to improve the social interaction skills in children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to reduce the abnormal behaviours in high functioning autistic children. Methodology Children, in age group of 6–8 years, both males and females; with diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder were screened using Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment scale (ASD AS) to rule out moderate & severe impairment. Those with Mild ASD were subjected to 8 weeks of Occupational Therapy intervention focussing on social skills training (Group Therapy) along with Sensory integration therapy. In this observational cohort study; social skills assessment was done using ASD Social skills profile (ASD SSP); pre and post intervention. Results Post intervention, there was an improvement in Social skill areas as reflected in the scores of ASD SSP. The pre-intervention mean score was (91.67 ± 0.97) which increased to (96.88 ± 0.97). This result was statistically significant at P < 0.01 Conclusion Thus, it can be concluded that there was improvement in social interaction skills with reduced abnormal behaviours post therapy in children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder. The children were more comfortable in consecutive group therapy sessions. Top Keywords Mild ASD, Social Skills Training, Group Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration. Top |