Improving Verbal Empathetic Communication for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
A quick selfie video and a simple empathy chart reliably boost caring words in adults with autism.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Koegel and colleagues worked with adults with autism spectrum disorder.
They used a short video clip plus a simple picture chart that shows what empathy looks like.
Each adult watched their own tape, got quick feedback, and then practiced real conversations.
What they found
Every adult started using more kind words and caring questions during chats.
The new skills stuck around weeks later and showed up with new people too.
How this fits with other research
Argott et al. (2017) got the same good results with kids, so the idea works across ages.
Wilson (2013) saw mixed results in preschool: video helped some kids, live modeling helped others.
That sounds like a clash, but the 2013 study compared two styles head-to-head, while Koegel blends both—video plus feedback—so the gains line up.
McLucas et al. (2024) later used the same video-plus-feedback mix for job skills and also saw quick learning, proving the package travels to work settings.
Why it matters
If you run social groups for teens or adults with ASD, slip in a two-minute self-video and a one-page empathy map.
It takes little time, needs no toys, and the evidence says it pays off in real talk.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The literature suggests that many individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience challenges with recognizing and describing emotions in others, which may result in difficulties with the verbal expression of empathy during communication. Thus, there is a need for intervention techniques targeting this area. Using a multiple baseline across participants design, this study examined the effectiveness of a video-feedback intervention with a visual framework component to improve verbal empathetic statements and questions during conversation for adults with ASD. Following intervention, all participants improved in verbal expression of empathetic statements and empathetic questions during conversation with generalization and maintenance of gains. Furthermore, supplemental assessments indicated that each participant improved in their general level of empathy and confidence in communication skills.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2016 · doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2633-0