Examining the feasibility and effectiveness of PEERS for adolescents via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

BackgroundThe PEERS program is an evidence-based social skills intervention focusing on skills related to making and keeping friends as well as managing conflict and rejections. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, social skills interventions have been moving to virtual settings, including PEERS; however, limited research on the feasibility and efficacy of telehealth group therapy has been done. MethodThirty-four families were referred through an autism specialty clinic to complete the online PEERS program, and fourteen families completed measures of social skills, emotional and behavioral symptoms, and executive functioning before and after participating in the program. ResultsThe outcomes revealed significant improvements in participants' social skills knowledge, social communication, social motivation, and aspects of executive functioning. Participants also reported being satisfied with the online format, further supporting the hypothesis that the modified PEERS program, held virtually, is feasible and effective. ConclusionOur results support that the telehealth PEERS program offers a good alternative to the in-person modality and other social skills programs, especially for families who have difficulty accessing evidence-based programming for autistic adolescents due to geographical or transportation limitations as well as for families who prefer the convenience of participating in this program virtually.