Take the Challenge: Building Social Competency in Adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome (original) (raw)
Related papers
2011
This dissertation presents the findings of a Type 2 translational research study to develop and test the feasibility and social validity of a social skills intervention for middle/secondary students with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) / High Functioning Autism (HFA). Utilizing a technology adoption model (TAM), this dissertation project sought to develop and test the feasibility of a three-tiered social skills curriculum/training program to promote social competency in teens with AS/HFA across multiple settings: school, home, and community. The TAM was developed in 2004 by Gardner and Amoroso to provide a more rigorous methodology by which to assess the acceptance of the technology by consumers. The development of an intervention that includes parental input in a repeated measurement of social validity and efficiency over time, together with the inclusion of a unique population parameter (parental groups) within a repeated measure, reinforced the appropriateness of the decision to use a Type 2 translational research model. v This study consisted of two distinct phases. Phase 1 of the development process was conducted using separate focus participant groups: Group A (students with AS/HFA), Group B (parents/caregivers of students with AS/HFA), and Group C (educators of teens with AS/HFA). Phase 2, a small pilot study utilizing the newly created curriculum, was conducted using complete triads. This triad consisted of a student with AS/HFA, the student's parent/caregiver, and an educator of said student. These groups (ultimately triads) developed and refined a school-facilitated social skills intervention that utilized the goals and objectives of the student and her/his family in conjunction with existing opportunities within the community to design, implement, track, and modify a social skills program that was functional for the unique needs of the student. Findings suggest the Social Skills Triad curriculum may be a viable alternative method for teens with AS/HFA to develop and master social skills across settings over time that are meaningful to students, their families, and the home/school communities in which they function.
Increasing Socialization in Adults with Asperger's Syndrome
Psychology in the Schools, 2013
Difficulties engaging in social activities are considered to be a core symptom of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both the literature and our clinical observations suggest that most individuals with ASD have a desire to engage in social activities, but social skill deficits make social interaction challenging, and in turn can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Currently there are few resources to support adult students with ASD in forming friendships and involvement in the college community. Using a multiple baseline design over a 33-week period, this study evaluated the effectiveness of structured social planning for college students with ASD. Intervention included weekly sessions that included providing step-by-step social planning related to their interests, and feedback regarding their participation in social activities. In addition, training in specific organizational skills was implemented, such as determining activities, using a planner to ensure participation in the activities, inviting peers to activities, arranging for transportation, and so on. Results demonstrated that participants were not attending any social events throughout the baseline period. Following intervention, all participants increased the number of social events attended per week. Further, quality of life and satisfaction questionnaires all reported a higher satisfaction with their college experience and peer interactions following intervention. Finally, improvements were seen in other untargeted areas, including increases in non-structured social interactions, improvements in grade point averages, and employment. Results are discussed in regards to a creating a social support program for college students with ASD.
Social Skills Training for Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2007
The effectiveness of a social skills training group for adolescents with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism (AS/HFA) was evaluated. Parents of six groups of adolescents (n = 46, 61% male, mean age 14.6) completed questionnaires immediately before and after the 12-week group. Parents and adolescents were surveyed regarding their experience with the group. Significant pre- to post-treatment gains were found on measures of both social competence and problem behaviors associated with AS/HFA. Effect sizes ranged from .34 to .72. Adolescents reported more perceived skill improvements than did parents. Parent-reported improvement suggests that social skills learned in group sessions generalize to settings outside the treatment group. Larger, controlled studies of social skills training groups would be valuable.
2006
This title is winner of the award 2007 ASA Literary Work of the Year. Parents and professionals often ask how to teach social skills and how to design social skills programs for children with ASD. Often they are seeking answers to basic questions such as where do we start and what strategies do we use? This book addresses the need for social programming for children and adolescents with ASD by providing a comprehensive five-step model. The model incorporates the following five steps. It assess social functioning, distinguish between skill acquisition and performance deficits, select intervention strategies, implement intervention, and evaluate and monitor progress. This model will also show you how to organize and make sense of the myriad of social skills strategies and resources currently available to parents and professionals it is not meant to replace other resources or strategies, but synthesize them into one comprehensive program.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2011
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. Keywords ASD Á Autism Á Adults Á Social skills Á PEERS Extensive evidence demonstrates that social skills acquisition and generalization of skills often form the most significant challenges for children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A more limited body of literature demonstrates that social skills deficits remain prevalent for young adults (ages 18-23) with ASD (Barnhill 2007; Howlin 2000). While the intelligence of individuals with high-functioning ASD, on whom the literature and this study focus, often improves their outcomes in adulthood (Howlin 2000), it may also mask the significant challenges they face as adults (Barnhill 2007). Social deficits in adults with ASD may exacerbate or lead to problems with not only friendships but also romantic relationships, daily living, and vocational success (Barnhill 2007; Howlin 2000). Research suggests that social and behavioral symptoms may improve with some consistency in children and adolescents with ASD (Shattuck et al. 2007), but this progress tends to slow as these individuals enter adulthood (Taylor and Seltzner 2010). The challenging aspects of ASD appear greatest for those in adolescence and young adulthood, possibly due to the greater salience and complexity of peer relationships; growing drive toward identity exploration; lack of availability and knowledge about appropriate services; and uncertainty about the balance of responsibility between the individuals themselves and those who support them (Tantam 2003). For example, Orsmond et al. (2004) found that young adults with ASD who live at home tend to have fewer reciprocal peer relationships and less participation in social and recreational activities, while better social skills, greater functional independence, and maternal involvement in activities predicted higher social engagement. Like children and adolescents with ASD, young adults with ASD continue to experience social deficits that impair
A Review of Recommended Social Competency Programs for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Exceptionality, 2007
Social competency deficits are a core feature of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). During the past several decades, a number of social skill interventions for students with ASD have emerged. However, over the past five years, three converging issues have brought increased attention to the need for social competence programming: (1) increased ASD incidence rates, (2) inclusion and integration trends, and (3) recent No Child Left Behind Act requirement regarding use of evidence-based practices. This article discusses current best practices in enhancing the social competence of learners with ASD. To this end, a review of the literature was conducted to: (1) define key behaviors related to social competence targeted by common interventions and (2) identify the core components and targets that are essential for effective social competence interventions. Searches done by hand and electronically were conducted to identify empirical reviews or summaries of effective social competence interventions from preschool to early adulthood. Eight reviews that encompass typically developing as well as those that specifically target ASD were chosen. Results of the review identified eight primary behavior categories most frequently targeted by social interventions across preschool, elementary, and secondary age groups. Additional analysis identified 11 core components consistently identified in the reviews. Explanation of categories as well as implications for future research and practice are explored.