title: An intervention to improve social participation for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To increase flexible thinking, self-regulation and empathy for adolescents with ASD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five adolescents (M = 13.5 years; SD = 0.84 years; four males) were assessed pre and post intervention for flexible thinking and social competence (as measured by the SSIS). Parents rated their adolescent's social competence pre and post intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A large decrease was found in parent rating of their child's level of hyperactivity (12.8, SD = 2.3; 11, SD = 2.2) (p = 0.034) (Cohen's d = 0.95). Parents increased their rating of their child's cooperation and empathy (Cohen's d = 0.71 and 0.56, respectively). A medium effect for flexible thinking was observed in three items (Cohen's d = 0.5 to 0.62) and a large effect for one item (Cohen's d = 1.35). Adolescents decreased self-scoring on the social scale post intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improvements were observed in adolescents' flexible thinking and social insights, and parent's perception of their child's self-regulation.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University , Geelong, Victoria , Australia .
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Goldingay
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stagnitti
authors.forename: Loretta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sheppard
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McGillivray
authors.forename: Belinda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.forename: Genevieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pepin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D058992:Social Participation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Adolescents; autism spectrum disorder; empathy; flexible thinking; pretend play; self-regulation; social relationships