Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for Italy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Social Skills Intervention for Autistic Adolescents.

Only 37 adolescents were analyzed, so the trial is small and the findings need replication. Seven participants dropped out after randomization and before training, and their data were not analyzed. Only teachers were blinded to group assignment, so parent and teen reports may be influenced by knowing who received treatment. Teacher reports did not show a significant change, and teachers during the pandemic may have had limited opportunity to observe social behavior. The study was conducted by telehealth during COVID-19 lockdowns, so it may not match in-person delivery in ordinary settings. No direct observation measures were possible, and parental or family outcomes were not evaluated. Some participants were receiving other psychological treatments, so PEERS® cannot be assumed to have worked alone. Parent overestimation of perceived social skills was noted as a possible bias.

Partial financial support, as reimbursement for attending symposia, was provided through a collaboration agreement with the Ministry of Health General Directorate of Health Prevention and General Directorate of Health Programming, Fondo Autismo 2020-2022, and Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza.

Do not conclude PEERS® improves overall social competence for every observer. The randomized comparison showed a clear effect on social knowledge and hosted get-togethers, while teacher reports did not show a significant change and parent overall social ability was not improved versus waitlist.