The effectiveness of the PEERS program in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

INTERVENTION: ‐ The PEERS program (experimental condition) consists of 14 weekly teen and parent sessions, with a duration of 90 minutes per session. The training is in a small group format (6‐10 teens) that addresses elements of friendship, i.e. social skills that are taught using psycho‐educational and cognitive‐behavioral therapy techniques (i.e. didactic lessons, role play demonstrations, behavioral rehearsals and homework assignments) ‐ ROAD (active control) consists of 14 weekly teen sessions (parent‐involvement trough e‐mail hand‐outs), with a duration of 90 minutes per session. The training is in a small group format (6‐10 teens) that addresses issues relevant during adolescence, like developing autonomy and friendships, using psycho‐educational techniques (i.e. didactic lessons, and homework assignments) CONDITION: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) ; ; PRIMARY OUTCOME: Contextual Assessment of Social Skills (CASS) is a observation measure scored by independent rated who are blinded for condition and assessment wave SECONDARY OUTCOME: ‐ social skills (SSIS self reported, parents and teacher report) ; ; ‐ autistic social impairment (SRS parent and teacher report) ; ; ‐ social contacts (QSQ self reported and parent report) ; ; ‐ social knowledge (TASK self reported) ; ; ‐ social cognition (TUSC self reported) ; ; ‐ social anxiety (BFNE self reported) ; ; ‐ parenting self efficacy (PSOC parent report) INCLUSION CRITERIA: ‐ age between 12 to 18 years old ‐ clinical diagnosis of ASD (PDD‐NOS, Asperger's syndrome or autistic disorder) ‐ Dutch fluency ‐ Total IQ>70