Advanced Group Treatment for Developmentally Disabled Adults with Social Skill Deficits

Abstract

Objective This social work research evaluates the effectiveness of an advanced, experimental treatment program for improving social skills with 6 developmentally disabled adults in a vocational training project. Method The effectiveness of the group treatment program was evaluated using multiple baseline designs replicated for 6 participants across six social skills. The intervention was developed in a previous study, and the skills were selected using a needs assessment. Results Results were mixed, and treatment gains from baseline to treatment phases were inconsistent across skills and participants. A 1-year follow-up assessment revealed that posttreatment skill levels were usually maintained. Conclusions These results only partially support the effectiveness of the group treatment program. Possible explanations for this conclusion are given, and clinical implications for social workers are discussed.