title: Improving social functioning and challenging behaviors in adolescents with ASD and significant ID: A randomized pilot feasibility trial of reciprocal imitation training in a residential setting.
abstract: There is a lack of effective social interventions for youths with ASD and co-morbid intellectual disability (ID). A previous single-case design study indicated that reciprocal imitation training (RIT) may improve social interaction and challenging behavior in this population. The current pilot study examined the feasibility of conducting an RCT to investigate the effectiveness of RIT for improving social functioning and challenging behaviors in 20 adolescents with ASD and severe ID in a residential program. The assessment protocol was feasible. RIT was well-tolerated by the adolescents and implemented with fidelity by teaching staff. Preliminary findings indicate that treatment had moderate to large effects on social functioning and challenging behavior, with mixed findings for imitation skills. A larger RCT of RIT for this population is feasible and warranted.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Brooke
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ingersoll
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.affiliation: b The Center for Discovery , Harris , NY , USA.
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Carlsen
authors.affiliation: b The Center for Discovery , Harris , NY , USA.
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hamlin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003071:Cognition; D004519:Education, Special / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects
keywords: Adolescent; autism; intellectual disability; intervention; social behavior