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A Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Social Skills in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The UCLA PEERS® Program

  • S.I. : ASD in Adulthood: Comorbidity and Intervention
  • Published:
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Abstract

Research suggests that impaired social skills are often the most significant challenge for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet few evidence-based social skills interventions exist for adults on the spectrum. This replication trial tested the effectiveness of PEERS, a caregiver-assisted social skills program for high-functioning young adults with ASD. Using a randomized controlled design, 22 young adults 18–24 years of age were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 12) or delayed treatment control (n = 10) group. Results revealed that the treatment group improved significantly in overall social skills, frequency of social engagement, and social skills knowledge, and significantly reduced ASD symptoms related to social responsiveness following PEERS. Most treatment gains were maintained at a 16-week follow-up assessment with new improvements observed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Fred Frankel, Andrew Leuchter, Jennifer Sanderson, Shannon Bates, Lara Tucci, Dana Lieberman, Sebastián Torres, Laura Knoll, Kristine McGlennen, and Siena Whitham for their valuable assistance on this study. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the families who participated in this study. This research was supported by NIH Training Grant #T32-MH17140, Andrew Leuchter, Principal Investigator. The writing of this paper was partially supported by Organization for Autism Research Grant #20093336, Alexander Gantman, Project Principal Investigator.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1271, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Elizabeth A. Laugeson, Alexander Gantman, Steven K. Kapp, Kaely Orenski & Ruth Ellingsen

  2. The Help Group−UCLA Autism Research Alliance, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Elizabeth A. Laugeson & Alexander Gantman

  3. Division of Human Development and Psychology, Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Steven K. Kapp

  4. Alliant International University, Alhambra, CA, 91803, USA

    Kaely Orenski

  5. Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Ruth Ellingsen

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  1. Elizabeth A. Laugeson
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Correspondence to Elizabeth A. Laugeson.

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Laugeson, E.A., Gantman, A., Kapp, S.K. et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Social Skills in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The UCLA PEERS® Program. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 3978–3989 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2504-8

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