DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-HELP SKILLS IN DRESSING FOR AUTISTIC STUDENTS USING BEHAVIORAL TEACHING TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop self-dressing skills in putting on a round-neck t-shirt using behavioral teaching techniques for a student with autism at the Koh Kha District Service Unit, Lampang Provincial Special Education Center. The study employed an action research methodology consisting of four steps: planning, action, observation, and reflection. The participant was purposively selected and consisted of one 5-year-old female student who had been medically diagnosed with autism. She was enrolled in the preparatory level at the Koh Kha District Service Unit during the second semester of the 2024 academic year. The experiment was conducted over a period of four weeks, three days per week. The research instruments included: (1) Individualized Instruction Plan on wearing a t-shirt, (2) a behavioral observation form to assess self-dressing skills, and (3) visual aids and task analysis-based instructional images. Data were analyzed using basic statistical methods such as mean and qualitative analysis. The results revealed that the student with autism showed improved self-dressing abilities (putting on a t-shirt) after receiving instruction through behavioral teaching techniques. This suggests that behavioral teaching methods are effective in promoting self-help skills in dressing among children with autism.