A Psycho-Educational Method Based on the Theory of Neural Connectivity Applied to People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

PhD Manuel Ojea Rúa

ABSTRACT

Autism spectrum disorder can be defined as a neuropsychological developmental disorder, featuring severe limitations in information processing, especially in sensory perception and working memory, which makes it impossible to establish the necessary pathways in working memory to create episodic memory; it's the relationship between episodic and semantic memory where context-specific recovery is facilitated. Likewise, from a behavioural perspective, it may involve limitations of differing degrees of intensity in social interaction and communication, as well as stereotyped and restrictive behaviours. This study analysed the consequences of applying the method, called by author the ‘Connectivity Theory’, aiming to assess the improvement in global academic development, specifically owing the positive correlation with to-be-attributed dependent variables, which constitute the different phases and levels of neuropsychological information processing. A total of 6 people with autism participated in this study. The data, analysed throughout 2 school years, were assessed according to the General Linear Model for Repeated Measures (4 measurements), which enabled us identify the intersection between the learning factor 1-2: “learning” and the process variables dependents.

Results found through the analysis of parameter estimates showed a significant positive correlation (< .05) between the factor (codes 1 and 2) and all the dependent variables used, exception being the variable related to stereotyped and restrictive behaviours: "stereotypies" variable.

KEY WORDS

Autism spectrum disorder, neural connectivity, information processing, and applied functional methods.

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