Brief report: feasibility of social cognition and interaction training for adults with high functioning autism

J Autism Dev Disord. 2008 Oct;38(9):1777-84. doi: 10.1007/s10803-008-0545-y. Epub 2008 Feb 2.

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and utility of a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention to improve social-cognitive functioning in adults with high-functioning autism (HFA). We modified the treatment manual of a previously validated intervention, Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT), for optimal use with HFA adults (SCIT-A). We then conducted a pilot study to compare SCIT-A (n = 6) to treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 5) for adults with HFA. Feasibility was supported; attendance was high (92%) and satisfaction reports were primarily positive. Participants in SCIT-A showed significant improvement in theory-of-mind skills and trend level improvements in social communication skills; TAU participants did not show these improvements. Findings indicate SCIT-A shows promise as an intervention for adults with HFA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Cognition*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Perception*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires