Abstract
Those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) frequently experience high levels of anxiety and depression. These psychological
factors may be related to some of the core challenges seen among those with ASD, including social difficulties. We examined
whether a social and vocational skills intervention program for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum would
yield a broader impact that partially alleviated these psychological factors. Following the intervention program participants
reported significantly lower depression and anxiety. Responses on a measure of peer relationships were also improved post-intervention,
although this did not reach significance. Although preliminary, our findings demonstrate the broader, positive impact that
such programs may have.
factors may be related to some of the core challenges seen among those with ASD, including social difficulties. We examined
whether a social and vocational skills intervention program for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum would
yield a broader impact that partially alleviated these psychological factors. Following the intervention program participants
reported significantly lower depression and anxiety. Responses on a measure of peer relationships were also improved post-intervention,
although this did not reach significance. Although preliminary, our findings demonstrate the broader, positive impact that
such programs may have.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10882-011-9226-4
- Authors
- Ashleigh J. Hillier, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 Mahoney Hall, 870 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
- Tom Fish, The Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- Jeffrey H. Siegel, The Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- David Q. Beversdorf, Departments of Radiology, Neurology, Psychological Sciences and the Thompson Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
- Journal Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
- Online ISSN 1573-3580
- Print ISSN 1056-263X