Journal Article

Transitioning Together: A Multi-family Group Psychoeducation Program for Adolescents with ASD and Their Parents

Greenberg, Jan S, Leann Smith DaWalt, Mailick, Marsha R

2018

Overview

Currently there are few evidence-based programs available for families of individuals with ASD during the transition to adulthood. The present study provided a preliminary evaluation of a multi-family group psychoeducation intervention using a randomized waitlist control design (n = 41). Families in the intervention condition participated in Transitioning Together, an 8-week program designed to reduce family distress and improve social functioning for adolescents. Findings indicated significant improvements in parental depressive symptoms and problem solving from pre- to post-intervention for parents in the intervention condition but not for parents in the control condition. Social interactions also improved for youth in the intervention condition relative to controls. Parents reported satisfaction with the program and particularly valued the opportunity to interact with other families.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adolescents / Adults / Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorders / Behavior Problems / Control Groups / Curriculum Development / Depression (Psychology) / Families & family life / Family Involvement / Focus Groups / Interpersonal Competence / Intervention / Life transitions / Mental depression / Parents / Parents & parenting / Problem Solving / Psychoeducational treatment / Psychological distress / Satisfaction / Social functioning / Social interaction / Social interactions / Social Problems / Teenagers / Well Being