Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of leisure time activities program in individuals with intellectual disabilities in terms of developing social skills and reducing behavioral problems. Social skills assessment scale, behavioral assessment form for children and young adults, and teacher’s report forms were used in the quasi-experimental design. The data analysis revealed significant differences in improving self-control, coping with aggression and cognitive skills of social skills scale; thinking problems of behavior assessment scale, and attention problems of teacher’s report form in the pretest-posttest data of the test group. The study suggests that leisure time activities program was partially effective on individuals with intellectual disabilities in terms of developing social skills and reducing emotional and behavioral problems.

Key words: Individual with intellectual disabilities, leisure time, leisure time activities program, social skills, behavioral problems