Abstract
Despite the psychosocial difficulties common among young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), little to no evidence-based
social skills interventions exist for this population. Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, the current study
tested the effectiveness of an evidence-based, caregiver-assisted social skills intervention known as PEERS for Young Adults with high-functioning young adults with ASD (ages 18–23) using self- and caregiver-report measures. Results revealed that
treated young adults reported significantly less loneliness and improved social skills knowledge, while caregivers reported
significant improvements in young adults’ overall social skills, social responsiveness, empathy, and frequency of get-togethers.
Results support the effectiveness of using this caregiver-assisted, manualized intervention for young adults with ASD.
social skills interventions exist for this population. Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, the current study
tested the effectiveness of an evidence-based, caregiver-assisted social skills intervention known as PEERS for Young Adults with high-functioning young adults with ASD (ages 18–23) using self- and caregiver-report measures. Results revealed that
treated young adults reported significantly less loneliness and improved social skills knowledge, while caregivers reported
significant improvements in young adults’ overall social skills, social responsiveness, empathy, and frequency of get-togethers.
Results support the effectiveness of using this caregiver-assisted, manualized intervention for young adults with ASD.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1350-6
- Authors
- Alexander Gantman, Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite 48-243B, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
- Steven K. Kapp, Division of Psychological Studies in Education, Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Kaely Orenski, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, Alhambra, CA 91803, USA
- Elizabeth A. Laugeson, Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite 48-243B, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257