Relationship Training for Children With Autism and Their Peers

Children with autism often have poor relationships with other children during their childhood and through their adult lives. A number of peer-related intervention models have been developed, but these models have not been thoroughly reviewed or implemented within the school setting. This study will examine the social inclusion of children with autism, following different peer-related interventions training children with autism and their peers.

Children will be randomly assigned to one of four interventions that comprise all autistic children, all nonautistic children, or a mixed group of both. The first intervention focuses on improving the social skills of autistic children. The second intervention involves educating the peers of autistic children to increase their acceptance of their autistic peers. The third intervention is a combination of the first two interventions. Children assigned to the fourth intervention will receive the usual training offered in their local school districts. Training for each group will be conducted twice a week for 6 weeks.

Characteristics of the autistic child will be assessed through an interview that evaluates intelligence quotient (IQ), language skills, and social interaction. Teachers will be asked to complete a questionnaire describing the autistic child and his or her interaction with peers. The autistic children will complete a friendship survey, clinical global impressions scales, and a battery of neuropsychiatric tests. All assessments will be conducted at study start and again at study completion.

Inclusion criteria

for Autistic and Nonautistic Participants:

• Autistic OR nonautistic peer of autistic child
• Full inclusion in a classroom with nonautistic children
• Currently in kindergarten or grades 1 through 5
• Intelligence quotient higher than 70
• Expectation to stay in the same school and classroom for the duration of the study
• Able to provide parent consent and child assent

Exclusion criteria

• Mental age-equivalent less than 4 years
• Conditions other than autism, or sensory or motor impairments