Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center researchers are studying ways to enhance social skills in adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning autism.
Volunteers are needed to participate in a 12-week social skills program that will give teenagers with autism spectrum disorders the opportunity to learn about and practice social skills that are relevant to their age group. Participants will meet once a week for a one-hour group session with study participants followed by a one-hour photography class where they will have the chance to learn introductory techniques alongside typically developing peer volunteers.
Participants will be asked to complete pre- and post-program evaluations for the purpose of the study.
Eligible participants will be: between the ages of 13 and 17, have a primary diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome or high-functioning autism and have the ability to use language in complete sentences.
For more information, call Laura Smith at 717-531-7458.
The study director is Dr. Michael Murray, Department of Psychiatry. This research study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board, under federal regulations, at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine.