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Social Skills Interventions for Adults with ASD: A Review of the Literature

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Abstract

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify social skills interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Empirical studies published after 2008 in peer-reviewed journals that evaluated the use of social skills interventions for adults with ASD were evaluated. Six studies met inclusionary criteria; their intervention methods and results were reviewed. Review of the literature revealed that social skills groups were the primary method used to improve social skills for adults with ASD. The results of these groups were generally positive; participants made progress in areas of social participation and social skills knowledge. Participants did not improve in measures of mental health or general autistic features. There is a continued need for researchers to identify evidence based interventions to improve social skills in adults with ASD.

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Correspondence to Lindsey Balderaz.

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Balderaz, L. Social Skills Interventions for Adults with ASD: A Review of the Literature. J. Psychosoc. Rehabil. Ment. Health 7, 45–54 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-020-00158-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-020-00158-9

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