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A Novel Peer-Based Social Skills Instructional Program for Middle School Learners with Higher Functioning Autism

Stephen A Crutchfield, Sarah Weber and Richard L Simpson

It is well established that teaching social skills to children and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)is important. At the same time it is acknowledged that teaching socially valid and functional social behaviors to these students is challenging, especially when the learners are middle-school-age youth with higher-functioning autism and Asperger disorder. These students are well known for their unenthusiastic acceptance of social instruction and use of their newly acquired skill assets in general education and other real world settings. In this connection we describe an innovative and motivating approach for teaching social skills to middle school students with ASD using peer partners.