Benefits of Social Skills Group Therapy Intervention in School-Aged Children With Autism

The purpose of a new study was to examine the effects of social skills group training (SSGT) on children with autism aged 8-12 years. Here, the baseline (T1), immediate post-intervention (T2), and 3 months post-intervention (T3) scores were compared. 

In this single-arm interventional study, 30 children diagnosed with autism, aged 8-12 years, and an intelligence quotient exceeding 70 were selected. Interdisciplinary therapists conducted 90-minute weekly SSGT sessions (10 sessions in total) between August and October 2019 over three months. Outcomes were assessed using standardized tests, including the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS), Vineland Social Maturity Scale-Social Quotient (VSMS-SQ), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), and Parent Rated Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (pSRS-2) at baseline, T2, and T3.

The mean (SD) scores at T1 and T3 were – VSMS score at T1 was 66.63 (5.05), T3 was 71.03 (5.84) (P<0.001); SQ at T1 = 75.99 (6.399), T3 = 79.83 (8.94) (P=0.016), respectively. The mean (SD) SCQ score at T1 was 27.3 (12.28), T2 was 25.8 (6.36), T3 = 27.1 (7.16) (P>0.05 for T1- T2, T2-T3, P=0.013 for T1-T3). The mean (SD) pSRS2 score at T1 = 83.5 (6.68), T2 = 80.1 (7.87), and T3 = 76.9 (8.07) (P<0.001), indicating a reduction in severity after SSGT. The results suggested that weekly SSGT over three months demonstrated a significant improvement in social skills, and these improvements were sustained up to three months post-intervention. 

The newly acquired behaviors post-intervention could have broader implications in community settings, enhancing the overall quality of life for children with autism. This study guides for general pediatricians to emphasize the importance of SSGT alongside ongoing occupational therapy programs. The current findings lay a robust foundation for future clinical developments and offer a pathway to bring about meaningful change in the lives of children with autism and their families.

Source: Gajre MP, Biswas S, Aseri H, Pradhan S. Indian Pediatrics. 2023 Oct;60(10):839-42.