Examining School‐Based Social Skills Program Needs and Barriers for Students with High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders Using Participatory Action Research

Abstract

Participatory action research (PAR) is a method used to develop interventions with the direct input of stakeholders. Social skills are a core deficit of children with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASD) that can affect academic performance and other areas of well‐being, yet empirically supported services are not always available. The current study examined data collected using PAR for the purpose of informing development of a school‐based social skills program for children with HFASD. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected during focus groups with school staff (n = 14) and parents (n = 2) of children with HFASD and observations of children with HFASD (n = 2) in a full‐inclusion elementary classroom. Results showed that both quantitative and qualitative data yielded helpful and unique forms of information as the first step of PAR, documenting the need for social skills interventions and barriers to implementation.