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Examining Demographics in Randomized Controlled Trials of Group-Based Social Skills Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

We reviewed the demographic reporting practices and diversity of participants in published randomized controlled trial studies of group-based social skills interventions (GSSIs) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 17 studies met inclusionary criteria. Results of this review suggest that the majority of published RCTs reported on participant gender and race/ethnicity, with fewer studies including details on household income and caregiver education. Study samples generally lacked diversity, with an overrepresentation of participants who were male, White, and from upper-middle class backgrounds. Additionally, we found that nearly all GSSI studies focused on participants with average or high IQs, or were specifically classified as having a higher functioning sub-diagnosis within ASD. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA

    Jonathan Safer-Lichtenstein, Jillian C. Hamilton & Laura Lee McIntyre

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  1. Jonathan Safer-Lichtenstein
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  2. Jillian C. Hamilton
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  3. Laura Lee McIntyre
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Contributions

JSL conceived/designed the study, conducted the literature review, performed the data analyses, analyzed and interpreted the data, and drafted the manuscript. JH participated in the study design, assisted with the data collection, analyzed and interpreted the data, and was involved in drafting and revising the manuscript. LLM participated in the study design, was involved in drafting and revising the manuscript, and provided the final approval of the version to be published. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Jonathan Safer-Lichtenstein.

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Safer-Lichtenstein, J., Hamilton, J.C. & McIntyre, L.L. Examining Demographics in Randomized Controlled Trials of Group-Based Social Skills Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 49, 3453–3461 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04063-4

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