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

J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Dec;46(12):3739-3754. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2911-5.

Abstract

Young adults with ASD experience difficulties with social skills, empathy, loneliness, and social anxiety. One intervention, PEERS® for Young Adults, shows promise in addressing these challenges. The present study replicated and extended the original study by recruiting a larger sample (N = 56), employing a gold standard ASD assessment tool, and examining changes in social anxiety utilizing a randomized controlled trial design. Results indicated improvements in social responsiveness (SSIS-RS SS, p = .006 and CPB, p = .005; SRS, p = .004), PEERS® knowledge (TYASSK, p = .001), empathy (EQ, p = .044), direct interactions (QSQ-YA, p = .059), and social anxiety (LSAS-SR, p = .019). Findings demonstrate further empirical support for the intervention for individuals with ASD.

Keywords: ASD; Autism; Intervention; Social anxiety; Social skills; Young adulthood.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Empathy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Loneliness
  • Male
  • Peer Group
  • Phobia, Social / psychology
  • Phobia, Social / therapy*
  • Social Skills*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult