Article Review: The Impact of Social Skills Training on the Employment Outcomes of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Individuals with ASD often face challenges in obtaining and maintaining employment. Social skills training (SST) has been shown to improve social skills and reduce social anxiety, which may lead to better employment outcomes. This article reviews the current research on the impact of SST on the employment outcomes of individuals with ASD.
Communication
One of the core features of ASD is communication difficulties. Individuals with ASD may have trouble understanding and responding to social cues, and they may have difficulty with nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions and tone of voice. SST can help individuals with ASD develop better communication skills, including how to interpret nonverbal cues, how to initiate and maintain conversations, and how to resolve conflicts.
A study by Smith et al. (2020) found that SST was effective in improving communication skills in adolescents with ASD. The study participants who received SST showed significant improvements in their ability to understand nonverbal cues, initiate conversations, and resolve conflicts. These improvements in communication skills were associated with increased employment opportunities and better job performance.
Behavior
Individuals with ASD may also exhibit challenging behaviors, such as repetitive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, and aggression. SST can help individuals with ASD develop strategies for managing challenging behaviors and improving self-regulation.
A study by Carr et al. (2019) found that SST was effective in reducing challenging behaviors in children with ASD. The study participants who received SST showed significant reductions in repetitive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, and aggression. These reductions in challenging behaviors were associated with improved social interactions and increased participation in school and extracurricular activities.
Social Skills
Social skills are essential for employment success. Individuals with ASD may have difficulty with social interactions, such as making friends, maintaining relationships, and working in teams. SST can help individuals with ASD develop social skills, such as how to make friends, how to resolve conflicts, and how to work effectively in teams.
A study by Kasari et al. (2018) found that SST was effective in improving social skills in adults with ASD. The study participants who received SST showed significant improvements in their ability to make friends, resolve conflicts, and work effectively in teams. These improvements in social skills were associated with increased employment opportunities and better job satisfaction.
Implications for Supporting Individuals with ASD
The research reviewed in this article suggests that SST is an effective intervention for improving the employment outcomes of individuals with ASD. SST can help individuals with ASD develop better communication skills, manage challenging behaviors, and develop social skills. These improvements can lead to increased employment opportunities, better job performance, and greater job satisfaction.
SST should be considered a key component of any comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with ASD. SST can be provided in a variety of settings, including individual therapy, group therapy, and school-based programs. SST programs should be tailored to the individual needs of each participant and should be based on a clear understanding of the principles of behavior modification and social learning theory.
