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. 2023 Jun;53(6):2203-2218.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-022-05510-5. Epub 2022 Mar 17.

Using a Brief Intervention to Improve Partner-Focused Conversation in Adolescents with Autism

Christine L Cole  1 , Linda M Bambara  2 , Alana E Telesford  3 , Kathleen Bauer  2 , Irem Bilgili-Karabacak  2 , Jacquelyn Chovanes  4 , Amanda Thomas  5 , Amanda Weir  2
Affiliations

Using a Brief Intervention to Improve Partner-Focused Conversation in Adolescents with Autism

Christine L Cole et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Individuals on the autism spectrum often experience pragmatic social conversation difficulties that include showing interest in their conversational partners. This may become particularly evident during adolescence when conversation with peers is the primary medium for social interaction. This study used a multiple baseline design across participants to investigate the effects of a brief intervention package on the partner-focused conversation of three adolescents with autism. Results showed increased partner-focused questions and comments for all participants. Social validity assessments indicated that the intervention led to meaningful improvements in peer conversations.

Keywords: Adolescents; Autism spectrum disorder; Conversation skills; Self-management.

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