title: An outpatient group training programme for improving leisure lifestyle in high-functioning young adults with ASD: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the effectiveness of an outpatient programme on the leisure lifestyle of high-functioning young adults living at home or at an independent setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pre-test-post-test control group design was used. Participants (n = 12) completed self-reports on (a) need for leisure support, (b) leisure engagement and (c) satisfaction with leisure lifestyle. The programme consisted of cognitive-behavioural techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant within-group changes for the experimental group (n = 7) were found, indicating decreases in 'need for leisure support', more regular leisure engagement patterns and an increase in 'leisure satisfaction' following the programme. Between-group statistics reveal medium and large effect sizes for decreases in need for leisure support and a medium effect size for increase in 'leisure satisfaction', all in favour of the experimental group. Results regarding 'leisure engagement' were less clear.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The preliminary programme was effective in improving leisure lifestyle and suggestions for future research are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Dr Leo Kannerhuis, Doorwerth, The Netherlands. a.palmen@pwo.ru.nl
authors.forename: Annemiek
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Palmen
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Didden
authors.forename: Hubert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Korzilius
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010045:Outpatients; D010865:Pilot Projects; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires