Social Skills Intervention for Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

Currently a project is underway at 3-C ISD to develop and test a social skills intervention for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders.

Social Skills Group Intervention for High Functioning Autism (S.S.GRIN-HFA) is a small group intervention for children ages 8 to 12. S.S.GRIN-HFA builds upon the solid foundation of the existing evidence-based curriculum for social skills training (S.S.GRIN), with key alterations to make the training specifically applicable for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. The overall goals of S.S.GRIN-HFA are to help children:

  • communicate better with others
  • manage their emotions and behaviors
  • have more positive interactions with peers

The social skills intervention for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders will provide mental health professionals with a unique multi-modal, multi-component intervention program to enhance the social competencies and relations of children. S.S.GRIN-HFA integrates a structured skill-based curriculum with video, graphic materials (e.g., child workbooks), and interactive web-based tools.

Call for S.S.GRIN-HFA Research Participants

A scientific evaluation of the social skills intervention for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders will be conducted with children and their families beginning in August 2008. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child who meets the following criteria, please go to the following webpage at 4researchers.org to complete an eligibility survey for the study.

  • Child between the ages 8-12 years old
  • Child with a diagnosis of high functioning autism spectrum disorder, Asperger Syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disability-Not Otherwise Specified
  • Child with an IQ of 85 or greater

You may also email the Recruitment Coordinator, Erin Dale or call her at 919.677.0102 ext. 554 for more information.