Date of Award
8-2026
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Psychology
Committee Chair
Dr. Emily R. DeFouw
Committee Chair School
Psychology
Committee Member 2
Dr. Freddie Pastrana Rivera
Committee Member 2 School
Psychology
Committee Member 3
Dr. Zachary C. LaBrot
Committee Member 3 School
Psychology
Committee Member 4
Dr. Kourtney R. Kromminga
Committee Member 4 School
Psychology
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder characterized by social communication challenges and a pattern of intense interests and repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The empirical evidence regarding social communication supports for autistic adolescents and young adults is limited, especially in terms of their relationship to self-determination skills and adaptive skills (Tamm et al., 2022; White et al., 2016). PEERS® for Young Adults is an EBP for this population that may address some common social skill challenges; however, this curriculum has not yet been adapted within a neurodiversity affirming paradigm. The current study sought to add to the literature base for transition-age autistic adolescents and young adults by exploring adaptations to PEERS® for Young Adults identified by autistic adolescents and young adults. Three participants were recruited to participate in a convergent mixed methods study. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected in the same session and analyzed separately. Qualitative data provide accounts of the socially valid adaptations to PEERS® for Young Adults, and quantitative data further contextualized the results. A total of 3 themes and 12 subthemes were identified. Quantitative results were analyzed to evaluate the appropriateness of the themes. Based on these participants’ responses, neurodiversity affirming adaptations to the PEERS® for Young Adults intervention are necessary. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between social skills, self-determination skills, and adaptive skills.
Copyright
Sarah E. Butt, 2026
Recommended Citation
Butt, Sarah E., "Examining Neurodiversity-Affirming Adaptations to a Social Skills Intervention for Autistic Young Adults" (2026). Dissertations. 2500.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2500