Social Groups for Autistic Young Adults

This study hopes to provide a venue for autistic adults to create connections and practice their social skills once a week over the course of 10 weeks.  We will compare an improvisation/theater-based social skills intervention to a time-matched active control social skills intervention to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of both interventions and to evaluate different outcomes measured in autistic young adult (18-30 years old) group members in both groups. 

To participate, individuals must have graduated from a high school or equivalent program, be between the ages 18-30 years old, be able to demonstrate ability to complete consent and all study measures and procedures in English, have a confirmed diagnosis of autism (screened by the study team in two parts), have an IQ score  ≥ 70, be physically able to complete study activities (no significant physical or mental condition restricting participation), and be able to travel to AJDAI for 1 screening visit and a 10-week social skills program.

Individuals would be excluded by not having graduated from HS or equivalent program/still enrolled, not being within age range, IQ not within range (below 70), unable to demonstrate or confirm form autism diagnosis, unable to complete study activities and measures in English, cannot physically travel to AJDAI for 1 screening visit and 10 week social group and/or have a severe medical (physical, psychiatric) condition which prevents safe participation in the study.