Improving Communication Skills in the Daily Life of Autistic Children Using the RPV Concept Together with a Set of Picture Card Exercises

Abstract

Background and Aims: The problem of most autistic children when living with other people in society is the problem of communication impairments of autistic children, ranging from being able to speak a little to not being able to speak at all. If autistic children can speak quickly, the chances of having language development similar to normal children will increase. Speaking is the most important way to communicate. However, if autistic children cannot speak, it is necessary to find other methods to replace them to be able to express their needs. The RPV theory has been used in research as follows: Reinforcement theory: Reinforcement is a type of reward that will make children behave appropriately. It can be done through verbal stimulation, praise, warnings, and reinforcement through gestures such as touching hands, hugging, etc. Prompts technique: It is to make children behave in a good way. It can be done by guiding with words, body language, and pictures, which can make communication successful. Visual perception: It is the perception and interpretation of what is seen into words. Perception and interpretation of what is seen, by being able to remember, distinguish, and analyze what is seen. This research aimed to compare the communication skills of autistic children before and after learning by organizing learning activities with the PRV concept along with a set of picture card exercises.

Methodology: The sample group used in this research is 16 children with autism who are studying in the Educational Center for Special Children Project, grades 4 - 6, academic year 2024, of Ramkhamhaeng University Demonstration School (Primary Division). The researcher used a purposive selection method (Purpose Sampling). The statistic used to analyze the data is the average. Standard deviation, percentage, and t-test (dependent sample). Research tools include: Picture card practice activity plans, Picture cards, and communication skills tests for children with autism.

Results: The research found that autistic children have communication skills in expressing their needs and in rejecting Before studying (pre-test), the mean was 14.25, 47.50 percent, and the standard deviation was 1.61 and after studying (post-test) had a mean of 27.68, 92.29 percent and standard deviation 2.18, which was higher than before studying by using an activity plan with a set of picture card exercises combined with the RPV concept.

Conclusion: The research findings indicated that training with the picture card set improved the communication skills of students with autism. A comparative analysis of the average scores and percentage values before and after the lessons was conducted using the communication skills test.