The group-based social skills training SOSTA-FRA in children and adolescents with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: Prepost effects

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder show impaired communication and social interaction skills as well as stereotyped behavior and repetitive interests. Group-based social skills training has been recommended as treatment of choice in children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder with the aim to improve social interaction and communication. The present study assessed the pre-post effect of the new autism specific group-based therapy SOSTA-FRA on parent-rated improvement of social responsiveness. In addition, more global measures on therapy efficacy as well as session specific process-related variables were explored. Amedium effect size on change in the SRS total raw score by therapy was observed. Patient self-reports showed a good transfer of taught content into self-formulated therapy aims and their achievement. Currently, the SOSTA-FRA training is studied by a multi-center randomized controlled trial. If the effect can be replicated, the program can be recommended for broad use in clinics, private practices, and autism specific therapy centers.