title: Effectiveness of Interventions to Improve Social Participation, Play, Leisure, and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.
abstract: People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly experience difficulties with social participation, play, and leisure along with restricted and repetitive behaviors that can interfere with occupational performance. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate current evidence for interventions within the occupational therapy scope of practice that address these difficulties. Strong evidence was found that social skills groups, the Picture Exchange Communication System, joint attention interventions, and parent-mediated strategies can improve social participation. The findings were less conclusive for interventions to improve play and leisure performance and to decrease restricted and repetitive behaviors, but several strategies showed promise with moderately strong supporting evidence. Occupational therapists should be guided by evidence when considering interventions to improve social participation, play, leisure, and restricted and repetitive behaviors in people with ASD. Additional research using more robust scientific methods is needed for many of the currently available strategies.
authors.affiliation: Kelly Tanner, PhD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapy Research Coordinator, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, and Lecturer, Occupational Therapy Division, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus; Kelly.Tanner@nationwidechildrens.org.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tanner
authors.affiliation: Brittany N. Hand, MOT, OTR/L, is PhD Student, Occupational Therapy Division, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus.
authors.forename: Brittany N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Hand
authors.affiliation: Gjyn O'Toole, MEdStud, GradDip TEFL, BA, Dip Occ Therapy, is Senior Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Gjyn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: O'Toole
authors.affiliation: Alison E. Lane, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Alison E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Lane
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003142:Communication; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010290:Parents; D010988:Play and Playthings; D058992:Social Participation; D066107:Social Skills