Adolescents and young adults With autism spectrum disorders (ASD) frequently experience social isolation and vocational failure. Although social skills groups are vital, relatively feW model programs have been developed for this age group. This article revieWs the model and evaluation of the Aspirations program, an 8-Week social and vocational skills support group for adolescents and young adults With ASD. Self-report measures, including appraisal of peer relations and empathy, Were completed pre- and post-Aspirations. Data from structured observations Were also examined for changes in frequency of contributions made by group members over the course of the program. In addition, notes taken during staff meetings and feedback sessions With group members, and separately With their parents, Were revieWed for further evidence of the program's success. The results from these measures support the efficacy of the Aspirations program and provide insight into implementing a successful model for this population.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Attwood, T. (2000). Strategies for improving the social integration of children with Asperger's syndrome. Autism, 4, 85—100.
2.
Barnard, J., Prior, A., & Potter, D. (2000). Inclusion and autism: Is it working? 1,000 examples of inclusion in education and adult life from the National Autistic Society's members. London: National Autistic Society.
3.
Barnhill, G.P., Cook, K.T., Tebbenkamp, K., & Myles, B.S. (2002). The effectiveness of social skills intervention targeting nonverbal communication for adolescents with Asperger syndrome and related pervasive developmental delays. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 17, 112—118.
4.
Baron-Cohen, S., Ring, H.A., Wheelwright, S., Bullmore, E.T., Brammer, M., Simmons, A., et al. (2000). Social intelligence in the normal and autistic brain: An fMRI study. The European Journal of Neuroscience , 11, 1891—1898.
5.
Baron-Cohen, S., & Wheelwright, S. (2004). The empathy quotient: An investigation of adults with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism, and normal sex differences. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34, 163—175.
6.
Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., & Jolliffe, T. (1997). Is there a “language of the eyes”? Evidence from normal adults, and adults with autism or Asperger syndrome. VisualCognition, 4, 311—331.
7.
Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. (2001). The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger syndrome/high functioning autism, males, females, scientists and mathematicians. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders , 31, 5—17.
8.
Barry, T.D., Klinger, L.G., Lee, J.M., Palardy, N., Gilmore, T., & Bodin, G. (2003). Examining the effectiveness of an outpatient clinic-based social skills group for high-functioning children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33, 685— 701.
9.
Bauminger, N., & Shulman, C. (2003). The development and maintenance of friendship in high-functioning children with autism. Autism, 7, 81—97.
10.
Bellini, S., Peters, J., Benner, L., & Hopf, A. (in press). A meta-analysis of school-based social skill interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Remedial and Special Education.
11.
Chadsey-Rusch, J. (1992). Toward defining and measuring social skills in employment settings. American Journal of Mental Retardation , 96, 405—418.
12.
Fombonne, E. (2001). Is there an epidemic of autism?Pediatrics, 107, 411—412.
Howlin, P. (2000). Outcome in adult life for more able individuals with autism or Asperger syndrome. Autism, 4, 63—83.
15.
Howlin, P., Goode, S., Hutton, J., & Rutter, M. (2004). Adult outcome for children with autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines, 45, 212—229.
16.
Howlin, P., & Yates, P. (1999). The potential effectiveness of social skills groups for adults with autism. Autism, 3, 299—307.
17.
Hudson, W.W. (1982). The clinical measurement package: A field manual . Homewood, IL: Dorsey.
18.
Hudson, W.W., Nurius, P.S., Daley, J.G., & Newsome, R.D. (1990). A short-form scale to measure peer relations dysfunction . Journal of Social Service Research, 13, 57—69.
19.
Marriage, K.J., Gordon, V., & Brand, L. (1995). A social skills group for boys with Asperger's syndrome. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 29, 58—62.
20.
Mawhood, L., & Howlin, P. (1999). The outcome of a supported employment scheme for high functioning adults with autism or Asperger syndrome. Autism, 3, 229—254.
21.
Mesibov, G.B. (1984). Social skills training with verbal autistic adolescents and adults: A program model. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 14, 395—404.
Mishna, F., & Muskat, B. (1998). Group therapy for boys with features of Asperger syndrome and concurrent learning disabilities: Finding a peer group. Journal of Child and Adolescent GroupTherapy, 8, 97—114.
24.
Morgan, H. (1996). Underpinning philosophy in the provision of services for adults with autism: A critique of global values related to specific practice . In H. Morgan (Ed.), Adults with autism: A guide to theory and practice (pp. 31—52). Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press .
25.
Moxon, L., & Gates, D. (2001). Children with autism: Supporting the transition to adulthood. Educational and Child Psychology, 18, 28—40.
26.
Orsmond, G.I., Wyngaarden Krauss, M., & Seltzer, M.M. (2004). Peer relationships and social and recreational activities among adolescents and adults with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34, 245—256.
27.
Ozonoff, S., & Miller, J.N. (1995). Teaching theory of mind: A new approach to social skills training for individuals with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 25, 415—433.
28.
Rogers, S.J. (2000). Interventions that facilitate socialization in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30, 399—413.
29.
Tantam, D. (2000). Psychological disorder in adolescents and adults with Asperger's syndrome. Autism, 4, 47—62.
30.
Wechsler, D. (1997). Wechsler adult intelligence scale (3rd ed.). San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corp.
31.
Weidle, B., Bolme, B., & Hoeyland, A.L. (2006). Are peer support groups for adolescents with Asperger's syndrome helpful?Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 11, 45—62.
