Online ISSN: 2325-7466
2006
Triannual
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
United States

Articles

The Impact of Social Communication on Employment Success for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Beth Clavenna-Deane, Ph.D. (Author) Kansas State Department of Education image/svg+xml
    Beth Clavenna-Deane is currently a Kansas MTSS State Trainer, which is a technical assistance grant through the Kansas State Department of Education.
  • Mary Pearson, Ph.D. (Author) Kansas City Kansas Public Schools image/svg+xml
    Mary Pearson is currently an Instructional Teacher Leader at Kansas City Kansas Public Schools.
  • Blake Hansen, Ph.D. (Author) Brigham Young University image/svg+xml
    Blake Hansen is an Associate Professor at Brigham Young University.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.416
Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a social communication intervention for improving the social skills and employability of four adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). A multiple baseline across participants design was used to investigate the effectiveness of social communication skill development on equitable exchange in social conversations in a school training setting and an employment setting. Components from the "Social Thinking" curriculum that taught social communication through development of verbal interactions using supportive comments, follow-up questions, and bridging comments were combined with peer modeling and self-evaluation to provide the components of the intervention. The findings indicated that growth occurred for three of the four participants in their use of the aforementioned social communication skills in the school training setting; further growth generalized for two of the four participants to the employment setting.
Keywords
Asperger Syndrome, Autism, Communication Skills, High School Students, Interaction, Interpersonal Communication
References

Barnhill, G. P. (2001). What is Asperger Syndrome? Intervention in School and Clinic, 35(5), 259-265. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/105345120103600501

Barnhill, G. P. (2007). Outcomes in adults with Asperger Syndrome. Journal of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 22(2), 116-126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10883576070220020301

Bennett, T., Szatmari, P., Bryson, S., Volden, J., Zwaigenbaum, L., Vaccarella,L., Duku, E., & Boyle, M. (2008). Differentiating autism and Asperger Syndrome on the basis of language delay or impairment. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 616-625. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0428-7

Boettcher, J., Hasselrot, J., Sund, E., Andersson, G. & Carlbring, P. (2014). Combining attention training with Internet-based cognitive-behavioural self-help for social anxiety: A randomized controlled trial. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 43(1), 34-48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2013.809141

Boccanfuso, L., Lyons, M., Simmons, E., Shic, F., DiNicola, L., Greco, G., Mademtzi, M., Chawarska, K. & Scassellati, B. (2015). Immersive 3D, live-action, social skills training for children with ASD. Georgia Institute of Technology College of Computing. Retrieved from https://home.cc.gatech.edu/je77/uploads/290/Boccanfuso-idc2015.pdf

Carter, A. S., Davis, N. O., Klin, A., & Volkmar, F. R. (2005). Social development in autism. In F. R. Volkmar, R. Paul, A. Klin, & D. J. Cohen (Eds.), Handbook of autism and pervasive devel-opmental disorders (pp. 312–334). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470939345.ch11

Cheng, Y., Huang, C. & Yang, C. (2015). Using a 3D immersive virtual environment system to enhance social understanding and social skills for children with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 30(4), 222-236. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357615583473

Cimera, R.E., & Cowan, R.J. (2009). The costs of services and employment outcomes achieved by adults with autism in the US. Autism, 13, 285-302. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361309103791

Crooke, P.J., Hendrix, R.E., & Rachman, J.Y. (2008). Brief report: Measuring the effectiveness of teaching social thinking to children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA). Journal of Autism and Development Disorders, 38(3), p. 581-591. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0466-1

Colle, L., Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Van Der Lely, H.K.J. (2007). Narrative discourse in adults with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 28-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0357-5

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC, 2013). Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-dsm.html

DeRosier, M.E., Swick, D.C, Davis, N.O, McMillen, J.S., & Matthews, R. (2011). The efficacy of a social skills group intervention for improving social behaviors in children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41, 1033-1043. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1128-2

Ganz, M.L. (2007). The lifetime distribution of the incremental societal costs of autism. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 161, 343-349. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.161.4.343

Garris, L. (2007). Developing Pragmatic Language Use in Adolescents: A Thesis Presented to the Department of Special Education, California State University, Los Angeles, CA. Master’s Thesis retrieved July 28, 2009 from http://www.socialthinking.com/social-thinking-research/developing-pragmatic-language-use-in-adolescents.html

Granholm, E., Holden, J. & Link, P. (2014). Randomized clinical trial of cognitive behavioral social skills training for schizophrenia: Improvement in functioning and experiential negative symptoms. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 82(6), 1173-1185. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037098

Hendricks, D. (2010). Employment and adults with autism spectrum disorders: Challenges and strategies for success. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 32, 125-134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-2010-0502

Howlin, P., Alcock, J., & Burkin, C. (2005). An 8 year follow-up of a specialist supported employment service for high ability adults with autism or Asperger Syndrome. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 9(5), 533-549. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361305057871

Jennes-Coussens, M., Magill-Evans, J., & Konig, C. (2006). The quality of life of young men with Asperger Syndrome. Autism, 10(4), 403-414. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361306064432

Ledford, J.R., King, S., Harbin, E.R., & Zimmerman, K.N. (2018). Antecedent social skills interventions for individuals with ASD: What works, for whom, and under what conditions? Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 33(1), 3-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357616634024

Lee, K., Crooke, P., Lui, A., Kan, P., Mark, Y., van Hasselt, A., & Tong, M. (2015). The outcome of a social cognitive training for mainstream adolescents with social communication deficits in a Chinese community. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, DOI:10.1080/1034912X.2015.1065960 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2015.1065960

Mandelberg, J., Laugeson, E., Cunningham, T., Ellingsen, R., Bates, S. & Frankel, F. (2014). Long-term treatment outcomes for parent-assisted social skills training for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: The UCLA PEERS program. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 7, 45-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19315864.2012.730600

Muller, E.; Schuler, A., Burton, B.A., & Yates, G.B. (2003). Meeting the vocational support needs of individuals with asperger syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 3(3), 229-254. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-2003-00193

Myles, B.S. (2005). Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome: Strategies for Success in Inclusive Settings. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Newman, L., Wagner, M., Knockey, A.M, Marder, C., Nagle, K., Shaver, D., et al. (2011). The Post-High School Outcomes of Youth with Disabilities up to 8 years after High School: A Report from the National Longitudinal Transition Survey – 2. (NCSER, 2011-3005). Menlo Park, CA: SRI International.

Othman, A., Ramlee, F., Ghazalan, S., Wei, W., & Shahidi, R. (2015). Effects of a brief cognitive-behavioural and social skills group intervention for children with psychological problem: A pilot study. International Medical Journal, 22(4), 241-245.

Parker, R.I., Vannest, K.J, Davis, J.L., & Sauber, S.B. (2011). Combining nonoverlap and trend for single-case research: TAU-U. Behavior Therapy, 42(2), 284-299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2010.08.006

Pugliese, C. E., Anthony, L., Strang, J.F., Dudley, K., Wallace, G.L., & Kenworthy, L. (2015). Increasing adaptive behavior skill deficits from childhood to adolescence in autism spectrum disorder: Role of executive function, Jouronal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 45(6), 1579-1587. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2309-1

Rao, P.A., Beidel, D.C., & Murray, M. J. (2008). Social skills interventions for children with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism: A review and recommendations. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 38, 353-361. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0402-4

Reaven, J., & Hepburn, S. (2003). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in a child with Asperger Syndrome: A case report. Autism, 7(2), 145-164. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361303007002003

Seltzer, M.M., Krauss, M.W., Shatuck, P.T., Orsmond, G., Swe, A., & Lord, C. (2003). The symptoms of autism spectrum disorders in adolescence and adulthood. Journal of Autism and Development Disorders, 33 (6), 565-581. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JADD.0000005995.02453.0b

Shattuck, P.T., Narendorf, S.C., Cooper, B., Sterzing, P.R., Wagner, M., & Taylor, J.L. (2012). Postsecondary education and employment among youth with an autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 129(6), 1042-1049. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-2864

Simpson, R.L., Myles, B.S., & LaCava, P. (2008). Understanding and responding to the needs of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. In Simpson, R.L, & Myles, B.S. (Eds), Educating Children and Youth with Autism, Austin, TX: Pro-Ed Inc.

Sofronoff, K., Attwood, T., Hinton, S., & Levin, I. (2007). A randomized controlled trial of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for anger management in children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 1203-1214. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0262-3

Solomon, M., Goodlin-Jones, B. L., & Anders, T. F. (2004). A social adjustment enhancement intervention for high functioning autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34(6), 649-668. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-004-5286-y

Stichter, J., Herzog, M., Visovsky, K., Schmidt, C., Randolph, J., Schultz, T. & Gage, N. (2010). Social competence intervention for youth with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism: An initial investigation. Journal of Autism and Development Disorders, 40, 1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-0959-1

Volkmar, F., Siegel, M., Woodbury-Smith, M., King, B., McCracken, J., State, M., & American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Committee on Quality Issues (CQI) autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 53(2), 237-257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.10.013

Wehman, P., Schall, C., McDonough, J., Molinelli, J., Riehle,.E., Ham, W., & Thiss, W.R. (2012). Project SEARCH for youth with autism spectrum disorders: Increasing competitive employment on transition from high school. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 20, 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1098300712459760

White, S., Albano, A., Johnson, C., Kasari, C., Ollendick, T., Klin, A., Oswald, D. & Scahill, L. (2010). Development of a cognitive-behavioral intervention program to treat anxiety and social deficits in teens with high-functioning autism. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 13, 77-90. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-009-0062-3

White, S.W., Koenig, L., & Scahill, K. (2007) Social skills development in children with autism spectrum disorders: A review of the intervention research. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 1858-1868. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0320-x

Wing, L. (1992). Manifestations of social problems in high-functioning autistic people. In Schopler, E. & Mesibov, G.B. (Eds). High Functioning Individuals with Autism, New York, NY: Plenum Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2456-8_7

Winner, M.G. (2007). Thinking About You, Thinking About Me (2nd Ed). San Jose, CA: Think Social Publishing Inc.

Winner, M.G. (2008). Think Social. San Jose, CA: Think Social Publishing Inc.

Winner, M. & Crooke, P. (2014). Executive functioning and social pragmatic communication skills: Exploring the threads in our social fabric. Perspectives on Language Learning and Education, 21, 42-50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1044/lle21.2.42

There are 43 references in total.
How to Cite
Clavenna-Deane, B., Pearson, M., & Hansen, B. (2020). The Impact of Social Communication on Employment Success for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 15(1), 68-85. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.416

Winter 2020

Article Information

  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted December 30, 2019
  • Published February 15, 2020
  • Issue Winter 2020
  • Section Articles
  • File Downloads 0
  • Abstract Views 0
  • Altmetrics
  • Share
Download data is not yet available.