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.

Researchers tested a Polish version of PEERS® social skills training with 29 teens with autism. Half received the training (some online due to COVID), while others waited. The training significantly improved social skills, understanding of social rules, and time spent with friends. Benefits lasted six months. Online delivery worked just as well as in-person sessions, showing this program can help teens even when delivered remotely.

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the Polish adaptation of PEERS® social skills training for 29 adolescents with autism (ages 11-16). Participants were randomized to treatment or waitlist control groups. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the treatment group received hybrid (online/in-person) delivery. Results demonstrated large effects on social skills, social knowledge, and peer interactions, with benefits maintained at six-month follow-up.

Delivery mode (hybrid vs in-person) did not affect treatment outcomes. The study supports the feasibility and effectiveness of culturally adapted PEERS® programming and suggests online/hybrid delivery may be viable for social skills interventions.

PEERS® appears effective for adolescents with autism, with benefits persisting long-term. Hybrid delivery models may expand access to social skills training without compromising effectiveness. Cultural adaptations of evidence-based interventions show promise for diverse populations.

Small sample size (n=29) limits generalizability. COVID-19 restrictions created unplanned hybrid delivery, potentially affecting results interpretation. Limited to Polish cultural adaptation. No details provided on randomization methods, blinding procedures, or specific outcome measures used.

The study examined the efficacy of the Polish adaptation of the PEERS® curriculum for adolescents on the autism spectrum. Twenty-nine adolescents (aged 11-16) were randomized into a Treatment and a Waitlist Control Group. Due to COVID-19-related restrictions, the Treatment Group received part of the intervention online (in hybrid mode). Results showed large effects of PEERS® increasing the teens' social skills, knowledge about social skills, and the number of get-togethers with peers.

Most of the effects were maintained over a six-month follow-up period. There was no impact of the delivery mode on the treatment effects. The study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of the Polish adaptation of PEERS® and encourages future research on the online/hybrid delivery of Social Skills Training.