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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Oct;54(10):3639-3656.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-023-06100-9. Epub 2023 Aug 16.

Socialization, Education, and Learning for the Internet (SELFI): A Pilot RCT of a Social Media Skills Group Program for Autistic Adults

Anthony Osuna  1   2   3 , Katie Sabini  4 , Eryca Yamane  4 , Jaqueline Flores  4 , Naomi Pierce  4 , Jocelyn Lemus-Valle  4 , Ty Vernon  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Socialization, Education, and Learning for the Internet (SELFI): A Pilot RCT of a Social Media Skills Group Program for Autistic Adults

Anthony Osuna et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Many autistic adults report preference for computer-mediated communication and social media use. Despite many benefits to online socialization, there are many challenges including anxiety and cyber-victimization. To date, support is limited related to helping autistic adults with safe and effective internet use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the novel SELFI program. This pilot study utilized a randomized controlled trial design. A total of 25 autistic adults enrolled in the study and were randomized to the nine-week SELFI program or a waitlist control condition. Feasibility assessed enrollment, attrition, and fidelity of delivery. Acceptability examined attendance and feedback from participants and peer mentors. Efficacy evaluated change in Facebook activity, social media utility/anxiety, and individualized goals. Regarding feasibility, the recruitment goal was met within one month, there was limited attrition, and therapists delivered the program with high fidelity. Participants attended a majority of scheduled sessions and feedback from participants reflected high levels of agreement with several facets of the program. Compared to the control group, more participants assigned to the SELFI condition were perceived by autistic and non-autistic raters as having improved Facebook activity. SELFI participants also reported reduced difficulty meeting their individualized goal. Findings support the piloted SELFI program as feasible and acceptable with signals of preliminary efficacy. This study establishes an exciting foundation regarding an innovative social media skills program, however more research is necessary.

Keywords: Autism; Autistic Adults; Program Development; Social Media; Social Skills.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that this study is an evaluation of an intervention developed by the author(s).

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