Comparison of the Effectiveness of Functional Communication-Based Intervention Training and Theory of Mind Training on the Sense of Competence in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors

    Rezvan Beigi PhD candidate of Educational psychology, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
    Mohammad Kazem Fakhri * Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran fakhri@iausari.ac.ir
    Shaban Haydari Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran

Keywords:

functional communication-based intervention training, Theory of Mind training, sense of competence, children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

The primary aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of functional communication-based intervention training and Theory of Mind training on the sense of competence in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study was applied in purpose and employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and follow-up measurement across three groups (two experimental groups and one control group). The statistical population consisted of children with ASD and their mothers in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, in 2024. A total of 45 participants were selected using a non-random sampling method. Data were collected using the Harter Perceived Competence Scale (1985), which includes 27 items. The face and content validity of the instrument were confirmed by experts, and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α = .93). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that functional communication-based intervention training and Theory of Mind training were 76.6% successful in distinguishing pretest, posttest, and follow-up scores for the sense of competence in children with ASD in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan. Therefore, the effectiveness of functional communication-based intervention training and Theory of Mind training on the sense of competence in children with ASD differed between the intervention types.

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Published

2025-01-01

Submitted

2025-08-16

Revised

2025-11-12

Accepted

2025-11-23

How to Cite

Beigi, R. ., Fakhri , M. K. ., & Haydari , S. (2025). Comparison of the Effectiveness of Functional Communication-Based Intervention Training and Theory of Mind Training on the Sense of Competence in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychological Research in Individuals With Exceptional Needs, 3(1), 52-61. https://journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/prien/article/view/4531