PENERAPAN METODE PRAGMATIC ORGANISATION DYNAMIC DISPLAY (PODD) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KOMUNIKASI FUNGSIONAL PADA REMAJA DENGAN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) combined with a positive reinforcement approach in improving functional communication skills in an adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Functional communication in adolescents with ASD is crucial as it supports social interaction, emotional regulation, and communicative independence in daily life. The study employed a Single Subject Experimental Design (SSED) with an ABAB pattern consisting of baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases. The participant was a 15-year-old male adolescent diagnosed with ASD. Functional communication skills were measured using the Pragmatics Observational Measure (POM), which assesses initiation and responsiveness, nonverbal expression, social-emotional engagement, message execution, and social negotiation and regulation. The results demonstrated significant and consistent improvements across all aspects of functional communication during the intervention phases compared to the baseline phases, with skills maintained during the follow-up phase. These findings indicate that PODD combined with positive reinforcement is effective in enhancing functional communication, reducing maladaptive behaviors, and strengthening communicative independence in adolescents with ASD within daily life contexts.