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A Systematic Review of Psychosocial Interventions for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) spend the majority of their lives as adults, and psychosocial interventions show promise for improving outcomes in this population. This research conducted a systematic review of all peer-review studies evaluating psychosocial interventions for adults with ASD. A total of 1,217 studies were reviewed, only 13 met inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were single case studies or non-randomized controlled trials, and most focused on applied behavior analysis or social cognition training. Effects of psychosocial treatment in adults with ASD were largely positive ranging from d = 0.14–3.59, although the quantity and quality of studies is limited. There is substantial need for the rigorous development and evaluation of psychosocial treatments for adults with ASD.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grants to Nancy J. Minshew and Shaun M. Eack from the NIMH (MH-85851), Department of Defense (AR100344), NCRR (RR-24154), Autism Speaks, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, 2117 Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA

    Lauren Bishop-Fitzpatrick & Shaun M. Eack

  2. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Webster Hall, Suite 300, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Nancy J. Minshew & Shaun M. Eack

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  1. Lauren Bishop-Fitzpatrick
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  2. Nancy J. Minshew
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  3. Shaun M. Eack
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Correspondence to Lauren Bishop-Fitzpatrick.

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Bishop-Fitzpatrick, L., Minshew, N.J. & Eack, S.M. A Systematic Review of Psychosocial Interventions for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 43, 687–694 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1615-8

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