Social Skills Training for Young Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Gantman, A., Kapp, S. K., Orenski, K., & Laugeson, E. A. (2011). Social Skills Training for Young Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(6), 1094-1103. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1350-6

Publication date: 13 Sep 2011 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

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4
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 4 (25.0%)

Abstract

Despite the psychosocial difficulties common among young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), little to no evidence-based social skills interventions exist for this population. Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, the current study tested the effectiveness of an evidence-based, caregiver-assisted social skills intervention known as PEERS for Young Adults with high-functioning young adults with ASD (ages 18-23) using self- and caregiver-report measures. Results revealed that treated young adults reported significantly less loneliness and improved social skills knowledge, while caregivers reported significant improvements in young adults' overall social skills, social responsiveness, empathy, and frequency of get-togethers. Results support the effectiveness of using this caregiver-assisted, manualized intervention for young adults with ASD.

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Cited references
62
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
0 / 62 (0.0%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
0 / 191 (0.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 0 / 28 (0.0%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 0 / 159 (0.0%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
28 / 191 (14.7%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 18 / 159 (11.3%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
28 / 28 (100.0%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 28 / 191 (14.7%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 18 / 18 (100.0%).
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