SkillTalk: Using Streaming Video for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Build Microskills to Develop and Sustain Relationships for Healthy and Independent Living

This Phase II project builds upon previous research to complete the development and evaluation of SkillTalk, a video-delivered microskills training program to improve relationship skills among transition-age adults between 18 and 28 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microskills such as showing empathy, active listening, and open-ended questioning can help build relationships. Project activities are conducted in partnership with experts in ASD relationships/sexuality and youth experts who have ASD to achieve the following objectives: (1) formation of ASD expert and young adult advisory panels; (2) finalization of relationship skillsets, content development for 19 relationship skill sets, and over 100 corresponding microskills training videos (30-120 seconds in length); (3) development of content/scripts for approximately ten “Meet in the Middle” videos for neurotypical friends/family; (4) video production; and (5) conducting a nationwide randomized controlled trial to establish effectiveness. Outcomes of this project include the completion and established effectiveness of the SkillTalk training resource, a program that is usable and well-liked by target audiences resulting in better relationship and mental health outcomes for young adults with ASD.