Peer-Mediated Interventions to Address Social Competence Needs of Young Children With ASD: Systematic Review of Single-Case Research Design Studies
Topics in Early Childhood Special Education
Martinez, J. R., Waters, C. L., et al. (2021).
Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 40(4), 217-228.
This systematic review explores the effects of peer-mediated interventions targeting social skills in young children (i.e., under the age of 8) on the autism spectrum.
No funding received
2008 to 2017
Peer-reviewed, quantitative studies with single-subject experimental designs
18
Peer-mediated interventions targeting social skills in young children on the autism spectrum generally had positive outcomes for all participants. Findings suggest that these interventions have greater positive effects on frequency of peer interactions than on initiation or number of responses. The authors of this review note a general lack of investigation into treatment acceptability, the potential moderating effects of treatment outcomes (e.g., treatment setting, peer characteristics), and treatment generalization and maintenance. Additional limitations include limited available research and small sample sizes.
