An intervention to improve social participation for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To increase flexible thinking, self-regulation and empathy for adolescents with ASD.

Method: Five adolescents (M = 13.5 years; SD = 0.84 years; four males) were assessed pre and post intervention for flexible thinking and social competence (as measured by the SSIS). Parents rated their adolescent’s social competence pre and post intervention.

Results: A large decrease was found in parent rating of their child’s level of hyperactivity (12.8, SD = 2.3; 11, SD = 2.2) (p = 0.034) (Cohen’s d = 0.95). Parents increased their rating of their child’s cooperation and empathy (Cohen’s d = 0.71 and 0.56, respectively). A medium effect for flexible thinking was observed in three items (Cohen’s d = 0.5 to 0.62) and a large effect for one item (Cohen’s d = 1.35). Adolescents decreased self-scoring on the social scale post intervention.

Conclusion: Improvements were observed in adolescents’ flexible thinking and social insights, and parent’s perception of their child’s self-regulation.

• Adolescents
• autism spectrum disorder
• empathy
• flexible thinking
• pretend play
• self-regulation
• social relationships

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and the writing of this article.

We wish to acknowledge the support of a [University, School] funding grant.