Interview skills for adults with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Authors: Mueser, K. T., Aalto, S., Becker, D. R., Ogden, J. S., Wolfe, R. S., Schiavo, D., ... & Xie, H.
Year Published 2014
Publication Journal of Autism and Development Disorders
Volume 44
Number 9
Pages 2290-2300
Publisher Springer Science + Business Media
Background

Even among high functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) employment outcomes vary widely. The social communication deficits of those with ASD can influence these outcomes. Thus, increasing job interview skills may serve to improve outcomes.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an interview skills curriculum (ISC) for young adults with ASD.

Setting

The study was conducted in Tallahassee, Florida

Sample

Participants were recruited from Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). Twenty-eight adults with ASD between the ages of 18-36 took part in the study. All had a verbal IQ above 70 and possessed a high school diploma or GED. There were 27 males and one female.

Data Collection

Mock interviews were scored using the Social Pragmatic Scale and linear regression was used to analyze variation in performance.

Control

Participants randomized to the control group did not participate in the ISC but were invited to participate in one at the conclusion of the study.

Findings

The experimental group showed larger gains in social pragmatic skills on the final interview than did the control group.

Conclusions

These findings support the effectiveness of a short term social skills program for individuals with ASD.

URL http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10803-014-2100-3#/page-1
Disabilities Autism Spectrum Disorder
Populations
Outcomes Other
NIDILRR Funded No
Research Design Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
Peer Reviewed Yes