Social Behavior and Social Interventions for Adults on the Autism Spectrum

Abstract

Adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit pervasive patterns of differences in social behavior. Specifically, individuals on the spectrum often struggle in social communication, social cognition, social awareness, and social engagement. Though these difficulties are present in childhood, their manifestations in adulthood are unique given shifts in social contexts (e.g., workplace, college, independent living) and may be exacerbated by a reduction in available formal and informal supports. As such, autistic adults have been shown to have poor outcomes across multiple domains and significant unmet service needs, with social deficits often interfering with the functional outcomes and well-being of this marginalized population. Though some evidence has emerged that psychosocial interventions can improve the social behavior and social outcomes of autistic adults, the bulk of the current treatment literature is limited by methodological concerns, such as small sample sizes, weak study designs, and lack of replication. Given the current state of science, clinical implications and recommendations are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)