Promoting social skill development in children with pervasive developmental disorders: a feasibility and efficacy study
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Kathleen Koenig1, Susan Williams White, Maryellen Pachler
1Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 207900, New Haven, CT 06520-7900, USA. kathy.koenig@yale.edu
Abstract:
A randomized controlled design was employed to evaluate a social skills intervention for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Aims included evaluating the acceptability of the program and gathering preliminary evidence on efficacy. Forty-four children, ages 8-11 years, were randomly assigned to treatment or wait list. Treatment consisted of a 16-week group intervention designed to teach appropriate social behavior. Between group comparisons showed that children in treatment were rated as improved on the primary outcome measure, (unblinded parent report), but not on the secondary outcome measure, a parent questionnaire. Parents reported a high level of satisfaction with the intervention. The study supports the feasibility of this intervention to families and highlights challenges for future research in social skills intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
Social Facilitation
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...

