title: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Social Skills in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The UCLA PEERS(®) Program.
abstract: Research suggests that impaired social skills are often the most significant challenge for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet few evidence-based social skills interventions exist for adults on the spectrum. This replication trial tested the effectiveness of PEERS, a caregiver-assisted social skills program for high-functioning young adults with ASD. Using a randomized controlled design, 22 young adults 18-24 years of age were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 12) or delayed treatment control (n = 10) group. Results revealed that the treatment group improved significantly in overall social skills, frequency of social engagement, and social skills knowledge, and significantly reduced ASD symptoms related to social responsiveness following PEERS. Most treatment gains were maintained at a 16-week follow-up assessment with new improvements observed.
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1271, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. elaugeson@mednet.ucla.edu.|The Help Group-UCLA Autism Research Alliance, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. elaugeson@mednet.ucla.edu.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Laugeson
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1271, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.|The Help Group-UCLA Autism Research Alliance, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gantman
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1271, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.|Division of Human Development and Psychology, Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Steven K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kapp
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1271, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.|Alliant International University, Alhambra, CA, 91803, USA.
authors.forename: Kaely
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Orenski
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1271, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.|Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ellingsen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D066107:Social Skills; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adults; Autism spectrum disorder; Dating; Friendship; PEERS; Social skills