The effect of adapted game on social skills development of educable children with intellectual disability

Objective:The purpose of this study was determined to research impact of "Adapted Game" on social skills developement of children with educable intellectual disability (CEID). Materials and Methods: In this study pre-test and post-test experimental method with control group was used which is one of intergroup experimental pattern. In order to examine availability of "Adapted Game", a pilot study conducted with 17 CEID for 10 weeks in spring semester of 2016-2017. The study was conducted in spring semester of 2017-2018 with experimental group consists of 11 CEID at Isparta Özel Eğitim Secondary School and the control group consists of 10 CEID at Isparta Mavi Kent Secondary School's special education class. "Social Skills Assessment Scale (SSAS)" developed by Akçamete and Avcioğlu (2005) was applied to families, teachers and observers which is used to determine social skills level of CEID. Experimental group participate "Adapted Game" program 2 days a week with a lesson duration 45 minutes for 10 weeks. Conversely, control group continued their current education. Analysis of data was evaluated by Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test and Spearman's Rank Order Correlation Test. Findings: In the experimental group, it was determined that there were more meaningful differences between sub-dimensions of SSAS and pre-test and post-test of each items compared to the control group (p<0.05). In addition, meaningful relationship was not observed between families and other evaluators for both the experimental and control group. However, it was observed that there was a meaningful relationship between those who evaluated the experimental group in the school environment in some sub-dimensions and articles of SSAS. Results: In light of these findings, it was concluded that "Adapted Game" program was effective in gaining targeted social skills to CEID.