A review of treatments for deficits in social skills and self-help skills in autism spectrum disorder

Deficits in social skills and self-help skills present significant challenges for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Much research in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been devoted to treatments for deficits in social skills and there exist a number of extensive reviews on the research in this area. Some research has also been conducted in the treatment of self-help skills although no comprehensive reviews of this research have been conducted. A combined acquisition of social and self-help kills is required by individuals diagnosed with ASD for successful independent living in society. The current literature review provides a comprehensive investigation and examination of studies focused on interventions for deficits in social skills or self-help skills in those with ASD. Twenty-two studies that met the inclusion criteria were chosen. Studies were categorised based on intervention. Key studies were defined as studies that added something novel to the literature, rather than replicating previous research. Each study was then evaluated on a number of aspects. All studies showed positive outcomes. Strengths, limitations and future recommendations are discussed.

► Review of interventions for deficits in social skills and self-help skills in ASD.
► Twenty two studies met the inclusion criteria.
► Studies were categorised based on peer mediated interventions, social skills groups, script fading procedures, pivotal response training, video modelling and reinforcement based procedures.