ERIC Number: EJ1082490
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Dec
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
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A Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Social Skills in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The UCLA PEERS® Program
Laugeson, Elizabeth A.; Gantman, Alexander; Kapp, Steven K.; Orenski, Kaely; Ellingsen, Ruth
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v45 n12 p3978-3989 Dec 2015
Research suggests that impaired social skills are often the most significant challenge for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet few evidence-based social skills interventions exist for adults on the spectrum. This replication trial tested the effectiveness of PEERS, a caregiver-assisted social skills program for high-functioning young adults with ASD. Using a randomized controlled design, 22 young adults 18-24 years of age were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 12) or delayed treatment control (n = 10) group. Results revealed that the treatment group improved significantly in overall social skills, frequency of social engagement, and social skills knowledge, and significantly reduced ASD symptoms related to social responsiveness following PEERS. Most treatment gains were maintained at a 16-week follow-up assessment with new improvements observed.
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Interpersonal Competence, Intervention, Young Adults, Randomized Controlled Trials, Comparative Analysis, Program Effectiveness, Knowledge Level, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Maintenance
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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