Abstract
BACKGROUND: Our focus question looks at children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social interaction interventions due to many people with ASD experiencing difficulties with social interaction. Difficulties with social interactions can lead to difficulties forming and maintaining relationships, engaging in vocational work, and participation in the community. Social interactions and group therapy have shown to be an effective way to provide opportunities for healthy engagement and meaningful social interaction for individuals with ASD and allow a safe environment that can further nurture those social skills with accommodations for sensory and behavioral needs. AIM: This critically appraised topic (CAT) is aimed to evaluate current practices and social interaction interventions for children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHODS: Level I randomized control studies were analyzed and included in the CAT if they were published within the prior 10 years, included quantitative method studies, included investigating ASD and/or topics related to ASD, included pediatric/child populations, included occupational therapy and behavioral/emotional/social intervention approaches, included sensory regulation or any form of intervention to children with ASD, included outcomes geared towards improved social engagement, skills, or interactions, included peer-reviewed material. RESULTS: Level I research completed on interventions for social participation has revealed improvements in social participation skills, increased play and leisure, reduction in parent/caregiver stress, and improved IEP outcomes in school-aged children with ASD.