Adaptation of the PEERS for Young Adults Social Skills Curriculum for College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience a variety of unique challenges that may be compounded for individuals pursuing postsecondary education. Particular difficulties identified for college students with ASD include variability in social skills, social isolation, and reduced access to appropriate support and services. Research on effective interventions supporting college students with ASD is considerably lacking. This pilot study sought to address this area of need by modifying the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for Young Adults, a social skills training program for young adults with autism, for use on a college campus. Following the intervention, participants showed improvements in areas of social functioning that are particularly important for college students with ASD, including overall social functioning, social awareness, social motivation, social cognition, and knowledge of social skills. This study is an important step toward the development of effective interventions that address social competence specifically for young adults with autism in postsecondary educational environments.