Adam, McCrimmonMcLeod, Justin2021-09-212021-09-212021-09McLeod, J. (2021). Examining variables associated with successful treatment outcomes of autistic youth enrolled in PEERS © (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/113920The present study sought to examine how certain variables of autistic youth who completed a formal social intervention program (PEERS) predicted social skill improvement post intervention. Specifically, this research aimed to determine if age, gender, emotional intelligence (EI), intellectual ability, and/or social cognition would predict social skill outcomes. Using extant data from parent and self-report batteries, change scores and multiple regressions were employed to examine which variables accounted for significant social skill improvement. Age, gender, EI, and social cognition did not predict change; however, higher intellectual ability paired with higher verbal ability and lower perceptual reasoning significantly predicted social skill outcomes for the self-report group. These findings suggest that autistic youth with specific cognitive profiles may be more successful in PEERS. This research also exemplifies the heterogeneous nature of autism symptomology and the continued need for research examining social skill interventions. Limitations and future directions are discussed.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.AutismPEERSSocial SkillsEmotional IntelligenceSocial CognitionIntelligenceEducational PsychologyMental HealthPsychology--Developmentalmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/39237