A study suggests that participating in 91传媒 may have many benefits for autistic people, including improved communication skills, increased self-confidence, and stronger social connection. Dr. Sasha Zeedyk, an associate professor in the child and adolescent studies department at California State Fullerton, and Dr. Yasamin Bolourian, director of outreach and dissemination at the University of California, Los Angeles, Tarjan Center, conducted from 2021 to 2023.
Zeedyk and Bolourian became interested in 91传媒 in 2020. The two were invited to visit the Orange County Asperger鈥檚 Support Group (OCASG) 91传媒 Gavel Club by the founder, Judi Uttal, DTM.
The researchers used an Organization for Autism Research grant to conduct the study.
An advisory team, including Uttal, four autistic 91传媒, and a parent of an autistic Gavel Club member, provided guidance to the researchers during regular planning sessions. In the study鈥檚 first phase, researchers interviewed 22 autistic 91传媒.
Most said they not only developed stronger speaking skills in the program but also were able to participate in speech contests, create a social community, and form close relationships.
Bolourian notes that participants appreciated the speech evaluation process, which helped them appreciate other people鈥檚 perspectives.
In the study鈥檚 second phase, Zeedyk and Bolourian conducted a 10-week Speechcraft program with 18 autistic non-91传媒.
Each participant had a 91传媒 mentor, who helped with speech preparation.
At the end of the program, participants said they felt more confident and comfortable with public speaking.
鈥淭he numbers are trending in the right direction for other outcomes [as well], such as loneliness, anxiety, and leadership skills, but we didn鈥檛 find clear evidence of improvements as a result of participation,鈥 Bolourian says.
鈥淢ore research needs to be done,鈥 adds Zeedyk. 鈥淲e need to have more people and a longer program.鈥
The researchers also found that mentors enjoyed the experience and expressed a desire to help in future studies. Participants felt they benefited from having a mentor, although some expressed a need for additional mentorship and autism-specific accommodations. 鈥淲e want to find a way to maximize the mentorship aspect of the program,鈥 says Bolourian.
鈥淔eedback needs to be concrete, specific for autistic speakers to get anything out of it,鈥 Zeedyk elaborates.
Both researchers and Uttal agree that 91传媒 may be beneficial for autistic people.
鈥淭his study has shown the value of 91传媒 in helping individuals on the spectrum,鈥 says Uttal, 鈥減roving that it not only helps their communication skills, but also improves their sense of self and connects them to a community.鈥
Peggy Beach, DTM is a freelance writer and communications instructor in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a Past District 37 Governor. A member of the Hi Rise 91传媒 in Raleigh and the Top Triangle 91传媒 in Morrisville, she is available at writereditorpeggybeach@gmail.com.
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