Autism Spectrum Disorders: Building Social Skills in Group, School, and Community Settings

Abstract

Adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) face a variety of social difficulties as they interact with same-aged peers and adults in their schools and communities. Few empirically based interventions have been designed to increase social understanding (e.g., understanding gestures and facial expressions), social interaction abilities (e.g., initiating conversation with peers), and social competence (e.g., distinguishing between teasing and joking). This article reviews the most effective strategies for increasing social skills in adolescents with ASD and also gives examples of how to implement these strategies in group, school, and community settings.

KEYWORDS:

• autism spectrum disorder
• adolescents
• social skills
• social competence
• ASD
• group work
• school social work