Social Skills Interventions for Children With Asperger's Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism: A Review and Recommendations
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Rao, P. A., Beidel, D. C., et al. (2008).
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(2), 353-361.
This review investigates the effects of social skills training on social skills in children and adolescents, 18 years or younger, on the autism spectrum with cognition and language skills within the typical range of development.
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Experimental research design studies; single case studies with either a multiple baseline or multiple probe design; open clinical trials
10
Out of the 10 studies reviewed, seven (70%) reported positive treatment effects and three of the 10 studies (30%) reported no treatment efficacy for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum with cognition and language skills within the typical range of development. "Despite its widespread clinical use, empirical support for social skills training programs ... is in its infancy" (p. 359). Specific efficacy of these programs "has yet to be firmly established" (p. 359).
