A pilot study on the efficacy of FRIENDS : a social skills treatment program for children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Social skills deficit is a primary symptom of autism and can disturb social, emotional and academic development. Social skills can deteriorate as children get older and the social demands get higher. Although there are social skills programs that are effective in improving social skills for adolescents with autism, there are to date no programs that are effective for children from 10-12 years old. The social demands escalade fast from middle school age to adolescents therefore it is important to be able to provide social skills program as soon as possible. The FRIENDS program is a social skills program designed for children with ASD from the age of 10-12 years. The aim of this study was to estimate the efficacy of the FRIENDS social skills program for children with high functioning ASD from 10-12 years old. This study was a randomized clinical trial with repeated measures with a wait list control group. Parents, teachers and the children were sent questionnaires at baseline and post-treatment assessment. After the FRIENDS social skills program (post-treatment) the parents reported significant improvement in total social skills and responsibility (SSRS) and autistic mannerisms (SRS). Also, the children’s assessment showed a significant increase in assertion (SSRS). Teachers reported no significant change in the children’s social behavior. Only four post-program assessment variables out of 27 improved significantly. The findings suggest that the FRIENDS social skills program shows promising efficacy. The program in whole had a modest immediate impact on social skills for children with ASD.