Description and evaluation of a programme aimed at teaching social skills to adolescents with level 1 autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in every 100 people in New Zealand. Those that fall on the milder end of ASD who have level 1 ASD with or without comorbid intellectual disability (ID), find social skills to be their biggest challenge. A lack of social skills has been shown to have a variety of negative effects on individuals which include reducing the likelihood of attaining employment, to have friends and stable relationships, less likely to be living independently, and more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than their typically developing peers. Research shows that this population struggle with their transition into adulthood, and often can regress due to a lack of support. This mixed methods study described and evaluated a programme aiming to increase the social skills and independent living skills of males aged between 16 and 24 years old. Data was collected over 13 weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected through observations that were centre based and in the community. Interviews with facilitators, students and their mothers provided an accurate description of the programme and determined social validity. Results show that the programme increased independent living skills, as well as social and communication skills in students. Results also show the skills are generalisable and the programme is appropriate, acceptable and feasible.