Youth and Caregivers' Perspective on Teens Engaged as Mentors (TEAM): An Inclusive Peer Mentoring Program for Autistic Adolescents.

Researchers studied a mentoring program called TEAM where autistic teens (ages 9-13) were paired with older mentors (ages 14-21). Both participants and parents reported positive outcomes. Kids enjoyed making friends and becoming more open to others. Parents noticed their children became more socially skilled and confident. The program created a safe space for autistic young people to practice social skills and build relationships with peers.

This qualitative study examined stakeholder perspectives on TEAM (Teens Engaged as Mentors), an inclusive peer mentoring program for autistic adolescents. Focus groups were conducted annually from 2016-2020 with 16 autistic mentees (ages 9-13), 30 mentors (both autistic and neurotypical, ages 14-21), and 30 caregivers. Participants reported that TEAM provided valuable socialization opportunities in a safe environment, leading to increased friendships and greater openness toward others. Caregivers observed notable improvements in their children's social skills and confidence throughout program participation.

The program appears to offer benefits for both mentees and mentors, creating an inclusive environment that supports social development and community engagement for autistic youth.

Peer mentoring programs like TEAM may offer valuable opportunities for autistic adolescents to develop social skills and confidence in supportive environments. The inclusive model involving both autistic and neurotypical mentors appears promising for promoting social connections and community engagement among autistic youth.

This is a qualitative study examining perceptions rather than measuring objective outcomes. The study lacks a control group for comparison. Sample characteristics and recruitment methods are not clearly described. Long-term follow-up data on sustained benefits is not reported.

Past studies indicate that many autistic youth benefit from support with developing social relationships, exploring leadership opportunities, and engaging in post-secondary education. Teens Engaged as Mentors (TEAM) is an innovative mentoring program that provides socialization and community engagement opportunities in a safe environment for youth with and without autism. This qualitative study explored how participants and their caregivers perceived participation in TEAM. Stakeholder focus groups were conducted annually from 2016 to 2020 with 16 autistic mentees (ages 9-13), 30 autistic and neurotypical mentors (ages 14-21), and 30 caregivers.

Participants reported enjoying TEAM because of increased socialization opportunities, which promoted friendships and openness toward others. Caregivers reported growth in their children's social skills and confidence throughout their participation.