Experiential learning is an essential process in the development of core social competencies. Unfortunately, adolescents with autism spectrum disorders often do not possess the prerequisite skillset and motivation to sustain the level of social immersion needed to benefit from this learning process. These persisting social vulnerabilities can…

This study aimed to understand the process of change within Wilderness Therapy. It used grounded theory to explore development and change during the programme and relate this to theories of adolescence and engagement, particularly for adolescents in the care system. Data collected from interviews with 11 adolescents were analysed using…

School communities in both urban and rural settings need trauma-informed (TI) supports; however, the adversities experienced and access to student supports may be unique to rural school communities. In addition, the contextual challenges experienced by rural schools and communities, as well as the strengths that can be drawn from them, will…

This pilot study explored the efficacy of a social-cognitive intervention program for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Seven adolescents with ASD (mean age = 12.57 years) attended a school-based 10-week program. Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales, Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), and Theory of Mind Inventory were…

Purpose: The objective of this article is to describe the implementation of the Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), a manualized, evidence-based cognitive behavioral group treatment for childhood trauma at Cedar Centre, a community-based trauma treatment center, and describe the preliminary evaluation of the…

Equine-assisted activities and therapies are increasing in popularity for treatment of ASD symptoms. This research evaluated effects of a 5-week programme of therapeutic riding on social functioning of children/adolescents (N = 15) with ASD. The effectiveness of the programme was evaluated using the autism spectrum quotient, the Vineland Adaptive…

Reading and understanding texts of all kinds form a basic competence for participating in social and cultural life and for being successful on a job. Although most European adolescents have adequate reading competences at their disposal by the end of school, about a quarter of them cannot meet the minimal standards. The urgency of this societal…

This article provides a brief overview of the Teen Interactive Theater Education (TITE) curriculum, the theory behind its inception, and the expected outcomes. TITE is an innovative positive youth development program that engages young people in the consideration of pertinent topics in today's society through the use of experiential activities…

The present study was concerned with the effects of a residential woodland education program, incorporating both educational and adventure elements, on proenvironmental attitudes and aspects of well-being. Specifically, adolescent participants (N = 25) from a broad range of backgrounds, including some with challenging behavioral characteristics,…

This paper reports the process evaluation of a peer group intervention for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention which had positive outcomes for three target groups in Malawi: rural adults, adolescents and urban hospital workers. The six-session intervention was delivered to small groups of 10-12 participants by 85 trained volunteer peer…

Research supports the difficulties that students with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) have in developing successful interpersonal relationships. While they want to establish friendships, students with AS fail to recognize and accurately interpret social cues and verbal and nonverbal behavior (Iovannone, Dunlap, Huber, &…

Fifteen author-contributed papers focus on the learning disabled adolescent and young adult. The first section provides a general overview while subsequent sections address educational and social techniques, steps to employment, and programs for adolescents. The following titles and authors are included: "Prevention: Primary, Secondary, or…

Discusses the causes and consequences of shyness and presents the Shyness Control Program, a systematic approach for managing social anxiety in children and adolescents. Includes a flowchart that serves as a framework for the system and represents proven clinical methods used in anxiety management. (JAC)

A series of experimental programs have been developed within the Granville Work Preparation Centre (GWPC) to train mildly intellectually handicapped Australian adolescents in vocational, social, and educational skills. Principles of instruction, training strategies, and techniques are discussed in relation to programs developed to run concurrently…

Presents a group counseling approach for enhancing communication and social skills of psychiatrically disturbed adolescents. Describes contents of the 16 sessions and results of an informal evaluation which suggested the sessions were both enjoyable and effective, particularly structured drama and role play situations. (JAC)