Systematic review of intervention research with adolescents with autism spectrum disorders

A growing body of research provides effective interventions to address the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, adolescents with ASDs may face age-specific challenges necessitating the need for contextually relevant and effective interventions. This systematic review examined peer-reviewed intervention research for adolescents (ages 12-21) with ASD. Electronic database searches and ancestral searches were used to identify studies published between 1980 and 2011. 102 studies were identified. A variety of interventions were implemented in these studies to address a wide range of targeted skills and behaviors. Reviewed studies were categorized into seven domains based on the skills and behaviors targeted: (a) social skills; (b) communication skills; (c) challenging behavior; (d) academic skills; (e) vocational skills; (f) independence and self-care; and (g) physical development. Results indicate that effective interventions exist in each category. These results are discussed in relation to participant characteristics, intervention effectiveness, social validity, generalization and maintenance. Generalization, maintenance, and social validity data were gathered in only 34%, 43%, and 31% of the articles, respectively. Additionally, few studies investigated interventions addressing communication, vocational or academic skills. Recommendations for future research are provided.