Abstract
The content of interventions targeting social behavior is sensitive to cultural differences in etiquette and societal customs. Here we describe (1) the process of linguistic and cultural adaptation of the PEERS® social skills program to the Dutch language and culture, and (2) the results from a preliminary adaptation test among 32 adolescents (12–18 years old) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although some important cultural adaptations were made, the similarities in effective social behaviors across cultures were most striking. At post-test, autistic adolescents significantly improved their social skills knowledge. In addition, parent-reported and self-reported social engagement (hosted get-togethers) increased. Also, social skill impairment decreased according to parent-reports. Of the 32 adolescents who completed the program, 31% (n = 10) achieved a clinically significant change on the SRS-2 (ΔSRS-2 > 11.12). Future research examining the effectiveness of the Dutch version of PEERS® should include a larger randomized controlled trial, for which we provide several methodological considerations.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 101629 |
Journal | Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders |
Volume | 78 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank (in random order): Manda van der Veen, Evelien Sorensen-Huijssen, Magda den Breejen, Rachna Huijssoon, Leonie de Weerdt, Agnes van Otterloo, Marieke Wubs, Kirsten Visser, Martin Buijze and Dionne Dikker for the implementation of the pilot groups and all users (adolescents, parents, neurotypical peers, teachers, and trainers/coaches) who have made this study possible. We also would like to acknowledge the effort of research team; Jorieke Duvekot, Anneke Louwerse, Marret Fortuin, Cindy van der Hout and Femke ten Hoeve. Finally, we would like to thank Ad van der Sijde, Athanasios Maras, Barbara Brouwer, Frank Verhulst, and MariAnne Overdijk for their support and commitment.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020
Research programs
- EMC OR-01