Asperger Syndrome Using 'Obsessions' to Increase Mathematical Achievement
Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Barton, Michelle
Keywords
Asperger Syndrome, Mathematical Achievement, Treatment Programs
Area of Concentration
Psychology
Abstract
A major characteristic of individuals with Asperger syndrome is a preoccupying interest, or 'obsession', with a specific subject. The present study was designed to test whether mathematical achievement in a child with Asperger syndrome who has a specific obsession can be increased by incorporating this obsession into a mathematical intervention. The intervention included two interactive treatment periods. The targeted math skills included both numeric and word problems. During the first period of treatment sessions, the child worked out double-digit addition and subtraction problems with concrete manipulatives (animals). After a reversal period where the treatment sessions were removed, a second treatment period was administered. During this time, the object of obsession (dinosaurs) replaced the concrete manipulatives. It was hypothesized that the number of correct math problems would increase when the object of obsession was introduced into the interactive sessions and math problems, Results indicated a small increase in math skills during the concrete manipulation phase, but a marked improvement in the number of math problems done correctly during the obsession treatment period, with a dramatic increase in word problem performance. The gains in math improvement did not fade during the 2 week period of reversal, when the object of obsession was removed. It is suggested that obsessions are effective in intervention because they motivate and capture the attention of the child. It is also suggested that due to these findings, future research could consider using obsessions in interventions to improve performance in other domains, such as reading.
Recommended Citation
Mazza, Jessica, "Asperger Syndrome Using 'Obsessions' to Increase Mathematical Achievement" (2004). Theses & ETDs. 3420.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3420
Rights
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