Outcomes in PEERS® for Adolescents Across Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ADHD, Autism, and Their Co-occurrence

Abstract

Objectives Autistic individuals and those diagnosed with ADHD are at greater risk for social difficulties, with evidence suggesting that the co-occurrence of these neurodevelopmental disorders may further exacerbate social challenges. Though social skill interventions have strong empirical support in autistic populations, fewer evidence-based social skill interventions for adolescents with ADHD exist. Further, the impact of co-occurring autism and ADHD diagnoses on social skill treatment response is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of the evidence-based PEERS® for Adolescents social skills intervention in adolescents with ADHD, autistic adolescents, and adolescents with co-occurring ADHD and autism. Methods Adolescents (N = 144; ADHD, n = 43; Autism, n = 60; ADHD + Autism, n = 41) and their parents participated in PEERS® for Adolescents and completed questionnaires on social functioning at pre- and post-intervention. PEERS® for Adolescents is a 16-week, parent-assisted social skills intervention that teaches ecologically valid skills related to making and keeping friends as well as handling conflict and rejection in peer relationships. Results At baseline, a MANCOVA revealed significant differences in social behavior by diagnostic group (ADHD, Autism, ADHD + Autism), F(10,218) = 3.60, p < .001. However, in a repeated measures MANCOVA, no significant differences in treatment response following PEERS® for Adolescents across diagnostic groups emerged, F(10,214) = 1.34, p = .209. As a whole, participants significantly improved across all assessed outcomes. Conclusion Results suggest that adolescents with ADHD, with or without a co-occurring autism diagnosis, benefit from the novel extension of PEERS® for Adolescents, showing improved social skill proficiency and decreased problem behaviors.