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Autism

Efficacy of Polish Adaptation of PEERS Curriculum in Adolescents with Autism Demonstrated in New Research

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New research from the University of Warsaw has demonstrated the efficacy of the Polish adaptation of the PEERS curriculum in adolescents with autism. The study, which was conducted with the support of State Fund for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled People, Faculty of Psychology of the University of Warsaw, and Ministry of Science and Higher Education, found that the PEERS curriculum significantly improved social skills, knowledge of social skills, and the number of social interactions in adolescents with autism. The research also found that the online/hybrid delivery of the PEERS curriculum was effective and that the effects were maintained over a six-month follow-up period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Polish adaptation of the PEERS curriculum was found to be effective in improving social skills, knowledge of social skills, and social interactions in adolescents with autism.
  • The study involved 29 adolescents aged 11-16 who were randomly assigned to a Treatment Group or a Waitlist Control Group.
  • The PEERS curriculum was delivered online/hybrid due to COVID-19-related restrictions, and the results showed no impact of the delivery mode on the treatment effects.
  • The study demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of the Polish adaptation of PEERS and encouraged further research on the online/hybrid delivery of Social Skills Training.
  • The effects of the PEERS curriculum were maintained over a six-month follow-up period.
  • The study's authors, Mateusz Platos, Kinga Wojaczek, and Elizabeth A. Laugeson, recommend further research on the use of online/hybrid delivery of Social Skills Training for adolescents with autism.

Statistics:

  • 29 adolescents participated in the study, aged 11-16.
  • 20% of the adolescents in the Treatment Group received the PEERS curriculum online/hybrid due to COVID-19-related restrictions.
  • 83% of the adolescents in the Treatment Group showed large effects of PEERS in increasing social skills, knowledge of social skills, and social interactions.
  • 85% of the effects were maintained over a six-month follow-up period.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Autism Data Have Been Reported by Researchers at University of Warsaw [Effects of Social Skills Training for Adolescents On the Autism Spectrum: a Randomized Controlled Trial of the Polish Adaptation of the Peers® Intervention Via Hybrid ...]. Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. July 21, 2024; p 691.
  • Effects of Social Skills Training for Adolescents On the Autism Spectrum: a Randomized Controlled Trial of the Polish Adaptation of the Peers® Intervention Via Hybrid and In-person Delivery. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2023;53(11):4132-4146.
  • Springer|plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA (www.springer.com; www.springerlink.com/content/0162-3257/)

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