Reward System: Effects on the Social Communication Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study probed the efficacy of a reward system on improving the social communication abilities of ASD children who were applying in the Special Education program in Lapu-Lapu City Central Elementary School for School Year 2024–2025. Using a multiple-case pre-experimental design, the study tracked ten children aged 7 to 13, before and after the reward-based intervention. Measurements were obtained through direct observation, teacher and parent ratings, and a modified social communication checklist that included items addressing nonverbal communication, conversation skills, and social interaction. There was significant improvement in the conversational skills, especially to initiate and maintain verbal conversations, but there were moderate and statistically nonsignificant gains in nonverbal and social communication skills. The research found that an effective reward system has a positive effect on verbal social communication, with more advanced skills needing longer and highly detailed interventions. More comprehensive instructional tool embracing positive reinforcement methods was recommended according to the results. The findings show the promise of reward-based interventions as an effective and feasible approach in facilitating the social development of children with ASD.