The objective behind the conduction of this systematic review was to synthesize 22 single-case research design (SCRD) studies on social stories intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The researchers employed the What Works Clearinghouse that is commonly known as WWC SCRD standards to analyze study rigor and evidence of a causal relation. They calculated 4 nonoverlap indices to evaluate the intervention, maintenance, and generalization effects. The obtained results suggested that all studies met the WWC design standards with or without reservations. Seven studies provided strong or moderate evidence of a causal relation. Nonoverlap indices calculations indicated social stories intervention was effective. Using the WWC 5-3-20 guidelines to determine evidence of social stories, social stories intervention would not be considered an evidence-based practice for individuals with ASD based on visual analysis but would be deemed an EBP based on nonoverlap indices. It is an important point to know that WWC used visual analysis, not non-overlap indices, to determine whether an intervention meets the 5-3-20 replication rule.
This systematic review showed through its findings that there were discrepancies. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1088357615613516
