Using modelling for teaching social skills to children with autism: A literature review &, effects of video-modelling on the acquisition and generalisation of play behaviour in children with autism

Impaired social functioning is a characteristic feature of autistic spectrum disorder. Various interventions have been developed to address social dysfunction in children with autism. The purpose of this paper is to review studies that have examined the efficacy of using modelling procedures to teach children with autism social skills. Modelling involves observing a model performing a target behaviour intended for the observer to imitate. Modelling techniques have effectively incorporated a range of models including adults, peers, and target children by observing videotapes of themselves. Peer-mediated strategies have been shown to substantially increase social behaviour in children with autism, however generalisation is limited. The use of videotaped models has been successful in both skill acquisition and generalisation. Applications of video technology and suggestions for future modelling research are discussed. The present study examined the effects of video-modelling on the acquisition and generalisation of play sequences across various toys in 4 boys with autism. Four separate experiments using a single-case experimental design, with multiple baselines across 3 toys within each participant were used. Two boys were given access to 3 unrelated toys, and two boys were given 3 related toys. Video-modelling procedures with each of the 3 unrelated toys resulted in increased levels of verbal and motor play behaviour across both boys. Increases in verbal and motor play with the first related toy generalised across to the other 2 related toys for both boys. Levels of repetitive play also decreased during video intervention for both related and unrelated toys. Treatment effects were maintained during 1-week follow-up. Results suggest video-modelling was an effective method of increasing and generalising verbal and motor play behaviour, and, decreasing repetitive play across all 4 boys

'Inspiring Futures' - How social impact measurement as a form of organisational performance management can enhance outcomes for children and young people in custody

Since 2008, the number of children and young people entering the youth justice system has reduced, as has the use of custody (YJB, 2018). Despite this decrease, the youth justice system exists in a wider context with austerity measures reducing available resources and provisions for children and young people (UK Children’s Commissioner, 2015), which in turn increases the requirements for effective and sustainable interventions that improve outcomes. Measuring the social impact of custody for children and young people is a nascent area academically, with current measurement approaches focused on output and outcome rather than social impact (Paterson-Young et al., 2017). This research employed a sequential mixed method approach that promoted the active participation of children and young people, as well as staff members in Secure Training Centres (STCs). Results supported the development of a social impact measurement framework to examine the outcomes and social impact of custody on children and young people, and illustrate that the current STC model lacks the multi-stakeholder approach that promotes stakeholder engagement, individual focused interventions, evidence based approaches and service redesign (Hazenberg, Seddon and Denny, 2014). Failure to develop such an approach limits the STCs’ ability to measure the social impact of services which, inevitably, reduces opportunities for developing effective and sustainable services. Before embedding the measurement framework developed from this research, the STCs require significant overhaul to ensure their purpose and direction are clear. Although significant overhaul is required before implementing the SIM framework, research findings contributed to the development of a rehabilitative environment model that identifies the measurement factors contributing to positive outcomes for children and young people

Building Better Opportunities: Working Progress - Final Report 2019 – 2023 (Phase 2)

Northamptonshire has a mixture of rural and urban areas, with several issues that need attention, including support for an ageing population, poverty, health, and well-being (Paterson-Young, Hazenberg, and Brylka, 2017). A key problem that affects Northamptonshire is the relatively high level of unemployment among individuals who are categorised as economically active. Unemployment, especially long-term unemployment, significantly impacts on an individual’s life (Eden and Aviram, 1993; Meyers and Houssemand, 2010). This report presents the results from the Phase 2 research evaluating BBO Working Progress programme between August 2019 (the beginning of the evaluation) and January 2023 (the end). BBO Working Progress aims to help unemployed and economically inactive adults across Northamptonshire gain training, education, volunteering opportunities, and employment. The research evaluation outlines the experiences of programme participants and delivery partners, using a mixed method approach complemented by the Social Impact Matrix©. Quantitative data, through online questionnaires, captured the responses of 568 programme participants on the psychological benefits, in particular self-efficacy and well-being, and employment benefits of the programme. Further quantitative data was collected from 47 programme participants, delivery partners and other organisations on the consequences of Covid-19 on BBO Working Progress. Qualitative data consisted of 67 semi-structured interviews with participants, delivery partners, and external stakeholders focused on the needs of programme participants and the programme performance

Pathways for Recovery Interim report (January 2023)

This interim report presents the results from the research evaluating the Pathways for Recovery programme (from July 2022 to December 2022) which aims to help those most disadvantaged in our communities due to the impact of COVID-19. Specifically, it helps job seekers and inactive people, including long term unemployed and people far from the labour market who need support to get themselves back into employment.<br/

Building Better Opportunities: Working Progress - Final Report 2019 – 2023 (Phase 2)

Northamptonshire has a mixture of rural and urban areas, with several issues that need attention, including support for an ageing population, poverty, health, and well-being (Paterson-Young, Hazenberg, and Brylka, 2017). A key problem that affects Northamptonshire is the relatively high level of unemployment among individuals who are categorised as economically active. Unemployment, especially long-term unemployment, significantly impacts on an individual’s life (Eden and Aviram, 1993; Meyers and Houssemand, 2010). This report presents the results from the Phase 2 research evaluating BBO Working Progress programme between August 2019 (the beginning of the evaluation) and January 2023 (the end). BBO Working Progress aims to help unemployed and economically inactive adults across Northamptonshire gain training, education, volunteering opportunities, and employment. The research evaluation outlines the experiences of programme participants and delivery partners, using a mixed method approach complemented by the Social Impact Matrix©. Quantitative data, through online questionnaires, captured the responses of 568 programme participants on the psychological benefits, in particular self-efficacy and well-being, and employment benefits of the programme. Further quantitative data was collected from 47 programme participants, delivery partners and other organisations on the consequences of Covid-19 on BBO Working Progress. Qualitative data consisted of 67 semi-structured interviews with participants, delivery partners, and external stakeholders focused on the needs of programme participants and the programme performance

Pathways for Recovery Annual Report (July 2023)

Unemployment, especially long term unemployment, has significant negative effects on individual and community well-being.These negative effects have been exacerbated by COIVD-19 pandemic. Pathways for Recovery is a part funded European Social Fund, South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) wide comprehensive employment support initiative delivered by a regional partnership including specialist support providers, employment and skills organisations and strategic stakeholders. It helps job seekers and economically inactive people, including people experiencing long term unemployed and people far from the labour market who need support to get themselves back into employment. This report presents the results from the research evaluating the Pathways for Recovery programme (from July 2022 to April 2023) which aims to help those most disadvantaged in our communities due to the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Top-down funded employment integration programmes: promoting bottom-up social innovation to empower the disadvantaged

Entrenched social disadvantage is one of society’s most wicked problems and manifests itself in numerous ways, one of which is long-term unemployment. The impacts of long-term unemployed are well-understood in the literature, with significant impacts on an individual’s psychological wellbeing, alongside the economic deprivation and familial problems that it can also cause (Karsten and Moser 2009). However, despite decades of policy support in this area, the issue of long-term unemployment is still prevalent in society today. The stubbornness of this social problem requires us to focus on socially innovative solutions to unemployment, to identify innovations that can empower individuals, improve their wellbeing and consequently gain them employment. However, the question of whether to drive these innovations through top-down funding and policy mechanisms, or whether they can be produced organically within communities themselves, remains unanswered. This is critical given that it can be argued that the most impactful social innovations are those that empower individuals and are cocreated with beneficiary groups (Mulgan, 2019).This chapter will explore this question utilising data gathered in an employment integration programme delivered in England by a work-integration social enterprise. The research was mixed-methods in design, with survey data was gathered from 413 participants exploring demographic variables, self-efficacy and wellbeing, as well as employment outcomes. Qualitative data in the form of semi-structured interviews was also gathered from 32 participants exploring their experiences of the employment programme, specifically in relation to how they were empowered. The analysis reveals that whilst the participants experienced enhanced wellbeing and self-efficacy, this did not often translate to positive employment outcomes. The authors posit that this ‘failure’ is embedded in the top-down structures embedded by the funding body and entrenched policy around unemployment that seeks to ‘other’ disadvantaged individuals. This is framed within a theoretical approach that argues that impactful social innovation must be about place-based empowerment, rather than broad funding and policy mechanisms