Improving Academic and Social Functioning in Middle-Schoolers With Autism

Improving Academic and Social Functioning in Middle-Schoolers With Autism

The goal of this study is to test how well two group interventions work for middle-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One of the interventions focuses on teaching parents and adolescent skills to help improve their social functioning and the other focuses on teaching parents and adolescents skills to improve organization, planning, and study skills. Eligible participants will be randomly (like a coin flip) assigned to attend one of the two interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of autism
• No intellectual disability
• Problems with organization, materials management, and planning and prioritization
• Problems with social skills
• Fully included in middle school
• Stable medication and behavioral treatment regime

Exclusion Criteria:

• Home schooled
• Severe co-occurring psychopathology (e.g., aggression, suicidal)
• Non English-speaking