A feasibility study on social competence intervention for Chinese adolescents and adults with comorbid autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Social competence training for individuals with comorbid autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability was scarce and had methodological limitations in sample sizes and outcome measures. AIMS The current study addressed the limitations and reported a social competence intervention for adolescents and adults with ASD and intellectual disability in Hong Kong, the CBT-CSCA (Mild Intellectual Disability). MATERIALS & METHODS Thirty-three participants (aged 14-44 years, with an FSIQ 55-70) completed the 15-session intervention in a community centre. A pre-post intervention design was employed. Outcome measures included proxy-ratings on participants' social competence, autistic symptoms and behavioural problem, and participants' weekly self-evaluation on knowledge acquisition and confidence in applying skills. RESULTS Significant improvements were shown in proxy-reported negative social behaviours, autistic symptoms and overall behavioural problems. Participants also reported satisfactory knowledge gain and confidence in applying content learnt after each session. DISCUSSION The CBT-CSCA (Mild Intellectual Disability) is based on an established model and validated studies on ASD population. It demonstrated its applicability and emerging effectiveness in individuals with ASD and mild intellectual disability. CONCLUSION The study supports that social competence training remains a centrality intervention approach for individuals with ASD and intellectual disability.