Self-Regulated Learning versus Activity-based Intervention to Reduce Behavioral Problems and Enhance School-related Function for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract Background: Self-regulated learning is an active learning cognitive approach which helps individuals to be aware of their own ability and environment and control their own learning. This study examined the therapeutic effects on reducing behavioral problems and enhancing school-related function in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Methods: Forty children (aged 6–12) were randomized into a 12-week self-regulated learning or activity-based group. Three outcome measures, assessing the behavioral problems and school-related function, were administered before and after the intervention and at one-month follow-up. The results between the two groups were also compared using two-way repeated measure multivariate analysis of variance tests. Results: Children in the self-regulated learning group reported a significant reduction in ‘Maladaptive Behavior’. Both groups showed better school-related function after the intervention with greater improvement found in the self-regulated learning group including ‘Functional Communication’, ‘Memory and Understanding’ and ‘Positive Interaction’. In the one-month follow-up, the self-regulated learning group showed significant better results in the ‘Maladaptive Behavior’ in addition to the ‘Functional Communication’, ‘Memory and Understanding’, ‘Following Social Conversations’, ‘Positive Interaction’ and ‘Behavior Regulation’ in the school-related function. Conclusions: The self-regulated learning and activity-based interventions are effective in enhancing school-related functions. In addition, the self-regulated learning intervention is effective in reducing behavioral problems of children with ASD. The SRL intervention was seen to be effective compared to the activity-based intervention with particular benefits for on-going learning and improvements. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02496819. Registered 14 July 2015.