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Adapting the PEERS® for Young Adults Program for Autistic Adults across the Lifespan

Authors :
Samantha A. Harker
Leslie C. Baxter
Stephen M. Gallegos
Melissa M. Mitchell
Lillian Zerga
Nicole L. Matthews
B. Blair Braden
Source :
Healthcare, Vol 12, Iss 16, p 1586 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is an evidence-based intervention developed for autistic individuals to support social communication, peer interactions, independence, and interpersonal relationships. Despite a demonstrated effectiveness for young autistic individuals in the US and several other countries, PEERS has yet to be modified to support the needs of autistic adults across the lifespan. The present study describes how our team sought autistic voices to adapt PEERS for adults of any age. Specifically, we aimed to address the needs of middle-aged and older adults and adapt the curriculum to be more neurodiversity-affirming. Between two cohorts that completed the program consecutively, we evaluated the acceptability of the adapted PEERS program and made refinements based on feedback from autistic participants and their study partners. Results indicated that Cohort 2 reported higher satisfaction with the PEERS components and overall program than Cohort 1, suggesting effective refinement. We present a framework of adaptations that more specifically address the needs of middle-aged and older adults in a neurodiverse-affirming way compared to previous iterations. Our approach to implementing an adapted PEERS curriculum across the adult lifespan may serve as a model for improved clinical care and cultivate the acceptance of neurodiversity in the interpersonal domains of autistic adults’ lives.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
12161586 and 22279032
Volume :
12
Issue :
16
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Healthcare
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.3fd5184bcddb42879e21edd2c4072515
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12161586