Non-pharmacological Interventions for Adults With Autism: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Speyer, R., Chen, Y. W., et al. (2022).
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 9(2), 249-279.
<div>This systematic review investigates the effects of non-pharmacological interventions in adults, 18 years and older, on the autism spectrum.</div>
Not stated
From database inception to September 2020
<div>Randomized controlled trials</div>
41
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<div>Non-pharmacological interventions demonstrated emerging evidence for improving social functioning, vocational outcomes, cognitive skills, and independent living skills in adults on the autism spectrum. The authors identified two programs with the most robust evidence for improving social skills and employment outcomes: Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for young adults and Project SEARCH plus ASD support. Most studies investigating cognitive skills training interventions reported significant improvements. Two studies investigating language skill interventions showed mixed findings.</div>
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<div>Limitations of this review include the heterogeneity of the interventions, outcome measures, and study quality. Additional research that uses standardized outcomes measures is needed to investigate communication and independent living interventions for adults on the autism spectrum.</div>
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