EFFECTIVENESS OF PEERS SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMME IN IMPROVING SOCIAL SKILLS AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMISED CONTROL TRIALS
WONG YI YAN
WONG YI YAN
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Abstract
Background: Adolescents and young adults (YA) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually have social skill deficits, resulting in poor social relationships. Social skills interventions can help them with social integration and overall quality of life. Objectives: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of the Program for the Educational and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) intervention in improving social skill outcomes among adolescents and YA with ASD. Methods: Randomised control trials (RCTs) of PEERS intervention for adolescents or YA with ASD were identified through systematic search in six databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus). Risk of bias tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to evaluate quality of studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan software. Heterogeneity was determined by x2 and I2 values. Overall effect was assessed using Z-statistics and effect size. Results: 3026 records were identified. Narrative synthesis included nine RCTs involving 350 adolescents and YA with ASD across four countries, with eight RCTs included in meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed medium to huge effect size favouring PEERS intervention in reducing severity of ASD symptoms and improving social skills performance and knowledge. Subgroup analysis suggested greater effectiveness of PEERS in YA than adolescents. Conclusion: The PEERS intervention was effective in reducing severity of ASD symptoms and improving social skills performance and knowledge. Greater effectiveness was observed among YA than adolescents with ASD. Implications: Findings are relevant to healthcare professionals interested in using PEERS for adolescents and YA with ASD. Future studies should comply with standard recommendations for reporting trials, and include behavioural observation measures, third-party ratings and follow-up measurements as outcomes.
Keywords
adolescent, young adult, social skills training, Autism Spectrum
Disorder, Program for the Educational and Enrichment of Relational Skills, systematic review, meta-analysis
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2020-04-09
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