Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, and the presence of restricted, repetitive behavior and interests, affecting 1 in 68 children. Although atypical social deficits onset in early childhood, their social relationships with peers may remain a challenge or even worsen for individuals with ASD throughout the school years and beyond, as social contexts increase in complexity and pose higher social expectations.
aged 11-20 years, currently enrolled in school between the sixth grade of elementary school and the third year of high school
with a clinical diagnosis of ASD from a licensed mental health or medical professional based on DSM-5
experiencing social difficulties as reported by parents in a structured intake interview
scored ≧ 26 on the caregiver-reported Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), indicating clinical impairment associated with ASD
a history of major mental illness (e.g., bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis) or neurological diseases that might hinder participation in the treatment
visual impairment and/or hearing impairment that would preclude participation in group-based social activities.