Social Skills Interventions for Adolescents with ASD, ADHD, and Other Comorbidities

This project was part of a research initiative to collaborate with Kristin Brubaker, MSOT, OTR/L, practicing pediatric occupational therapist at the Center for Therapeutic Intervention (CTI). CTI is an outpatient, private pediatric occupational therapy clinic in Gig Harbor, WA. The purpose of our project was to determine existing and effective interventions to improve social skills in adolescents, ages 11 to 18 years, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder (SPD) and other sensory processing issues. Our search of the literature yielded a total of 22 research studies, with the majority representing group-based interventions. Limited research was found pertaining to ADHD and no research was found pertaining to either SPD or sensory processing issues. Future research recommendations include a focus on developing and studying effective interventions for individuals with ADHD and SPD. Our knowledge translation products were specifically designed for CTI and included an in-service presentation detailing our research and findings, a proposed social skills program for a specific group of adolescents at CTI, and reference tools to use in creating future group-based programs. Post-presentation responses and feedback were overwhelmingly positive and well received