FROM DRAWING CARDS TO A BETTER LIFE BY NEW METHOD OF LABEL EMOTIONS IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN WITH HIGH-FUNCTION: SINGLE-SUBJECT RESEARCH

In addition to the high prevalence of autism, this disease has many effects on a child's life. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of training label emotions to autistic children with high-function on their quality of life.

The study was semi-experimental with the single-subject method. In this study, 5 boys with high-function autism entered the study. In the base and follow up phase, the subjects did not receive an education. In the test phase, emotion recognition in 3 sessions and label emotions in 6 sessions were trained. Data collection tools were demographic characteristics and the quality of life of children (Peds QoL) questionnaires. At each phase, 3 measurements were performed within one-week intervals. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics, Friedman test, effect size, and recovery percentage.

In the present research, the mean age of samples was 8.6 years. The effect size of label emotions training in comparison to base-test (ES = 2/47), test-follow-up (ES = 3/28), and base- follow-up (ES=2/89) had been high and the highest recovery percentage was related to the social domain (RP=163.121%). Training of the LE has improved quality of life (P=0/007).

The results showed that label emotion training for high-functioning autistic children had a significant effect on their physical, social and school dimensions, and the overall quality of life score. Researchers are recommended to use this method in their future research.