Social Competence Intervention Program (SCIP): A pilot study of a creative drama program for youth with social difficulties

This study explored the effects of participation in the Social Competence Intervention Program (SCIP), an innovative creative drama-based group intervention, of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), nonverbal learning disability (NLD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Eighteen participants in SCIP were compared to a clinical control group of 16 on changes in measures of social perception, social competence, and naturalistic observed social behavior. Hierarchical multiple regression model was used for all primary quantitative analyses. Interviews were conducted post-treatment to provide qualitative data. The treatment group showed significant improvement in key domains of observed social behavior in a natural setting compared to the clinical control group. Parents and children in the SCIP condition reported multiple positive changes in social functioning. These findings provide preliminary support for the use of a creative drama program for children with social competence deficits related to social perception problems.

► Preliminary evaluation of Social Competence Intervention Program (SCIP). ► Thirty-nine youth with ASD, NVLD, and/or ADHD assigned to SCIP or waitlist group. ► SCIP group improved in naturalistic social behavior compared to control group. ► Parents and youth in SCIP reported qualitative improvements in social functioning. ► Results preliminarily support creative drama activities for youth social problems.