Study Finds Teens With Autism Face Major Obstacles To Social Life Outside of School

A recent study of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder by Paul Shattuck, PhD, autism expert and assistant professor at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis Shattuck notes that limited or absent peer relationships can negatively influence health and mental health, especially during the teen years. The study showed teens with an ASD were significantly more likely never to see friends out of school.  Although large large organizations like the YMCA offer inclusion programs for special needs children, their counselors are most likely not trained to facilitate interactions between typical peers and special needs children.