Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although autistic individuals are interested in interacting with peers, they express a need for social skills programs that could support them in navigating their daily social world, which is governed by neurotypical social norms. AIM: This study investigated the feasibility and adaptability of the manualised and evidence-based program KONTAKT™ Social Skills Toolbox Group Program in supporting autistic children aged 8 to 12 years in navigating their everyday social worlds. MATERIAL AND METHODS: KONTAKT™ was delivered to 15 autistic children (Mage=10.87, SDage=1.04; 67% male) over 16, 60-minute sessions. A pre-test and post-test design was employed evaluating changes in personally meaningful social goals, social skills, quality of friendship and autistic traits. Focus groups were also conducted and analysed using thematic analysis post completion of the program, exploring participants, their parents and the KONTAKT™ trainer's perceptions of the program. RESULTS: Findings suggest stakeholders' satisfaction with the program's content and structure, indicating the potential cross-age feasibility of KONTAKT™ in supporting autistic children to achieve their personally meaningful social goals and in improving their social performance navigating their daily social lives. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: This feasibility study supported the finalisation of KONTAKT™ children's manual and workbooks, preparing it for further evaluation of its efficacy in a randomised controlled trial. (Australian New Zealand Clinical Registry: 12619000994189; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04024111).