A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Psychosocial Effects of Yaya on a Low-Functioning Autistic Child’s Sitting Behavior

Abstract

The study is focused on the psychosocial effects of the yaya on a low-functioning autistic child's sitting behavior. To validate this idea, an intervention program was developed. The sitting program was implemented for six weeks in Leaming Partners School. The subject, Diego is a 1.9-year-old autistic child with speech delay. The program's technique of implementation follows the TEACCH method of using visual cue cards to guide the child in his/her daily activities. The first three weeks of the intervention program focused on the researcher as the trainer. The researcher made significant progress in training the child to sit down during the first three weeks. Furthermore, the yaya as the trainer scored positively with her own program. Both the researcher and the yaya generated a progressive sitting program. The researcher was able to transfer the needed skills in doing the sitting program. The study concludes that the yaya can make a difference in taking care of the autistic child. Moreover, the yaya, when trained, can significantly give support in helping the autistic child cope with everyday living.