Direct and Indirect Psychosocial Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Parents Following a Parent-involved Social Skills Group Intervention.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the direct and indirect outcomes of a social skills group intervention for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders and their parents.


METHODS
Thirty-five children and their parents participated in the program evaluation. Children and parents completed measures of child social skills and problem behaviors. Children reported on their self-concept, and parents reported on their psychological acceptance and empowerment.


RESULTS
Results indicate significant increases in overall child social skills according to parent and child report, in child general self-worth, and in parent service empowerment and psychological acceptance.


CONCLUSIONS
While past program evaluations of social skills groups highlight changes in social competence, taking a broader perspective on the types of positive outcomes suggests potential benefits for both child and parent.
Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario.
Jonathan A
JA
Weiss
Michelle A
MA
Viecili
Leon
L
Sloman
Yona
Y
Lunsky
autism spectrum disorders; group intervention; parent intervention; social skills