A Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Social Skills in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The UCLA PEERS® Program

Abstract

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.

A Replication and Extension of the PEERS® for Young Adults Social Skills Intervention: Examining Effects on Social Skills and Social Anxiety in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…It was also shown to have a positive impact on empathy and loneliness among this population. Although these findings were recently replicated within the site of development at UCLA (Laugeson, Gantman, Kapp, Orenski, & Ellingsen 2015), they have not yet been independently replicated outside of that site. Additionally, the data from both the original study and the replication were comprised of small sample sizes ( N = 17, N = 22, respectively).…”

“…Additionally, the data from both the original study and the replication were comprised of small sample sizes ( N = 17, N = 22, respectively). Furthermore, both Gantman et al (2012) and Laugeson et al (2015) utilized the Autism Quotient (Baron-Cohen, Wheelwright, Skinner, Martin, & Clubley 2001) and a community diagnosis of ASD to confirm the diagnostic status of their participants, rather than employing a gold standard assessment measure.…”

“…2000) was used for screening the YAs who were recruited to participate. Third, the current study examined the effects of the social skills intervention on levels of social anxiety, which were not explored in the Gantman et al (2012) or Laugeson et al (2015) study.…”

Autism spectrum disorders: management over the lifespan

“…Specific goals of the program include conversation skills, finding common interests with others, using humor, learning how to begin and end a conversation, being a good host at get-togethers, establishing how to handle disagreements, handling rejection, and etiquette. Researchers have shown that using this 16-week training program has resulted in positive outcomes in overall social skills, frequency of social engagement, and social skills knowledge in adolescents and young adults with ASD [41]. Another similar approach, presented by Tse and colleagues [42], has also demonstrated effectiveness in improving social skills in adolescents with ASD.…”

A Clinic-Based Assessment for Evaluating Job-Related Social Skills in Adolescents and Adults with Autism

“…For example, employees may need to request help from others when they run out of necessary materials, receive unclear instructions or feedback, or have finished their work. Although a small but growing number of studies have focused on interventions to improve social skills of adults with ASD, none has focused exclusively on those related to interactions on the job (e.g., Alexander, Dummer, Smeltzer, & Denton, 2011;Davis, Boon, Cihak, & Fore, 2010;Dotson, Leaf, Sheldon, & Sherman, 2010;Laugeson, Gantman, Kapp, Orenski, & Ellingsen, 2015).…”