NCT06859541

Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention for Autism

Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Semi-Rural Tamil Nadu: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 56 (actual)
• Sponsor: Saveetha University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 8 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study compared Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention (PPBI) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in semi-rural Tamil Nadu through a double-blinded randomized controlled trial with 56 participants. The PPBI approach integrated traditional Tamil games such as Paandi (hopscotch), Kuzhi Thanda (hole-and-peg game), and Paramapadham (snakes and ladders) to encourage social interaction, cooperative play, motor skill development, and emotional self-regulation. Activities were structured to progress through various developmental goals, including turn-taking, gesture-based communication, sensory-motor coordination, language expression, peer collaboration, and real-life scenario practice. Additionally, storytelling, music-based play, and movement exercises were included to enhance communication and social awareness. On the other hand, the ABA-based program utilized structured techniques focused on positive reinforcement, imitation training, guided communication, and step-by-step skill-building. The primary goal was to reduce problem behaviors while reinforcing desirable social and communication skills. Parents and teachers were provided with structured training on how to apply ABA strategies consistently at home and school.

Detailed description

This research investigated the effectiveness of a Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention (PPBI) in comparison to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for improving behavioral and social skills in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a semi-rural region of Tamil Nadu. Recognizing the challenges children with ASD face in communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction, the study aimed to explore whether an intervention rooted in traditional play-based methods could provide better engagement and outcomes. A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 56 children between the ages of 8 and 12, who were evenly divided into two groups: PPBI and ABA. Both programs ran five days a week over a 12-week period, with behavioral assessments conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Parents and teachers provided input at multiple time points to capture changes in home and school environments. The research took place at Aadhuraa Special School in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, ensuring the intervention was delivered in a setting that aligned with the children's cultural background. Intervention Details: The PPBI approach integrated traditional Tamil games such as Paandi (hopscotch), Kuzhi Thanda (hole-and-peg game), and Paramapadham (snakes and ladders) to encourage social interaction, cooperative play, motor skill development, and emotional self-regulation. Activities were structured to progress through various developmental goals, including turn-taking, gesture-based communication, sensory-motor coordination, language expression, peer collaboration, and real-life scenario practice. Additionally, storytelling, music-based play, and movement exercises were included to enhance communication and social awareness. On the other hand, the ABA-based program utilized structured techniques focused on positive reinforcement, imitation training, guided communication, and step-by-step skill-building. The primary goal was to reduce problem behaviors while reinforcing desirable social and communication skills. Parents and teachers were provided with structured training on how to apply ABA strategies consistently at home and school.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention	The Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention (PPBI) integrates traditional Tamil games and folk storytelling to enhance social, emotional, and communication skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This 12-week structured program focuses on engagement, motor development, language, emotional regulation, social interaction, and real-world skill application, making it a culturally relevant and accessible intervention for improving adaptive behaviours.
BEHAVIORAL	Applied Behaviour Analysis	The ABA-based program utilized structured techniques focused on positive reinforcement, imitation training, guided communication, and step-by-step skill-building. The primary goal was to reduce problem behaviors while reinforcing desirable social and communication skills. Parents and teachers were provided with structured training on how to apply ABA strategies consistently at home and school.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-08-05
• Primary completion: 2024-11-16
• Completion: 2024-12-07
• First posted: 2025-03-05
• Last updated: 2025-07-30

Locations

1 site across 1 country: India