Parent Employment Status and Race/Ethnicity as Predictors of Social Skills Outcomes in Autistic Children in PEERS^® for Preschoolers.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

PEERS^® for Preschoolers (P4P) is an evidence-based, parent-assisted social skills program for young autistic children and children with other social challenges. The program aims to promote age-appropriate social skills and improve peer relationships. Parent employment status and cultural background may influence families' engagement in the program and their relationship with providers, which can affect use of P4P skills outside weekly sessions. This study examined whether these parent demographic characteristics predicted program response in P4P.

Methods

Participants were 46 autistic children (mean age=4.50 years; 78.3% male) and their caregivers who completed P4P between 2015 and 2019. Families took part in a 16-week curriculum with parallel child and

SUBMITTER: Martinez JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12782991 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature