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

Laugeson, E. A., Gantman, A., Kapp, S. K., Orenski, K., & Ellingsen, R. (2015). A Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Social Skills in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The UCLA PEERS® Program. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(12), 3978-3989. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2504-8

Publication date: 24 Jun 2015 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

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Authors

Publication authors
5
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 5 (20.0%)

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.

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Cited references
73
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
2 / 73 (2.7%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
2 / 206 (1.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 2 / 42 (4.8%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 2 / 162 (1.2%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
42 / 206 (20.4%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 20 / 162 (12.3%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
40 / 42 (95.2%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 40 / 206 (19.4%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 18 / 20 (90.0%).
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