ERIC Number: EJ1255362
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Jun
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
Building Skills, Confidence, and Wellness: Psychosocial Effects of Soft Skills Training for Young Adults with Autism
Connor, Annemarie; Sung, Connie; Strain, Alicia; Zeng, Songtian; Fabrizi, Sarah
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v50 n6 p2064-2076 Jun 2020
Recognizing that social functioning and mental health are linked to social participation and employment outcomes, this pilot study examined the preliminary outcomes of an eight-session, work-related social skills training program designed for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFASD). Results indicate statistically significant improvements in social cognition, social function, and social confidence. Furthermore, participants (n = 26) reported statistically significant reductions in anxiety, and a trend toward lessening depressive symptoms. These results suggest that: (1) social skills training is suitable for individuals with HFASD and clinically-significant levels of anxiety and/or depression, and (2) bolstered social functioning may have broader, cyclical impacts on social confidence, psychological wellness, and social and vocational participation in this population.
Descriptors: Young Adults, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Skill Development, Program Effectiveness, Job Skills, Interpersonal Competence, Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression (Psychology), Self Esteem, Social Cognition
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A