Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) spend the majority of their lives as adults, and psychosocial interventions
show promise for improving outcomes in this population. This research conducted a systematic review of all peer-review studies
evaluating psychosocial interventions for adults with ASD. A total of 1,217 studies were reviewed, only 13 met inclusion criteria.
The majority of studies were single case studies or non-randomized controlled trials, and most focused on applied behavior
analysis or social cognition training. Effects of psychosocial treatment in adults with ASD were largely positive ranging
from d = 0.14–3.59, although the quantity and quality of studies is limited. There is substantial need for the rigorous development
and evaluation of psychosocial treatments for adults with ASD.
show promise for improving outcomes in this population. This research conducted a systematic review of all peer-review studies
evaluating psychosocial interventions for adults with ASD. A total of 1,217 studies were reviewed, only 13 met inclusion criteria.
The majority of studies were single case studies or non-randomized controlled trials, and most focused on applied behavior
analysis or social cognition training. Effects of psychosocial treatment in adults with ASD were largely positive ranging
from d = 0.14–3.59, although the quantity and quality of studies is limited. There is substantial need for the rigorous development
and evaluation of psychosocial treatments for adults with ASD.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-012-1615-8
- Authors
- Lauren Bishop-Fitzpatrick, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, 2117 Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Nancy J. Minshew, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Webster Hall, Suite 300, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Shaun M. Eack, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, 2117 Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257