BACKGROUND: Adolescents with @entity72 ( @entity72 ) spend more time using electronic screen media than neurotypical peers; preliminary evidence suggests that computer-assisted or Web-based interventions may be beneficial for social skills acquisition. The current generation of adolescents accesses the Internet through computers or phones almost daily, and Facebook is the most frequently used social media platform among teenagers. This is the first research study to explore the use of Facebook as a therapeutic tool for adolescents with @entity72 . OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility and clinical impact of using a Web-based social platform in combination with social skills training for adolescents with @entity72 . METHODS: This pilot study enrolled 6 @entity1 (all males; mean age 14.1 years) in an online social skills training group using Facebook. Data was collected on the @entity1 ' social and behavioral functioning at the start and conclusion of the intervention. Outcome measures included the Social Responsiveness Scale-2, the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scale, and the Project Rex Parent Survey. @entity1 were surveyed at the conclusion of the intervention regarding their experience. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in measurable outcomes were observed. However, the online addition of Facebook was well received by @entity1 and their parents. The Facebook intervention was able to be executed with a careful privacy protocol in place and at minimal safety risk to @entity1 . CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of Facebook to facilitate delivery of social skills training for adolescents with @entity72 appears to be feasible, although the clinical impact of such an addition is still unclear. It is important to note that social difficulties of @entity1 persisted with the addition of the online platform and @entity1 still required assistance to engage with peers in an online environment. A Web-based intervention such as the one utilized in this study has the potential to reach a mass number of @entity1 with @entity72 and could address disparities in access to in- @entity1 treatment services. However, the complexity and evolving nature of Facebook's website and privacy settings leads to a number of unique online safety concerns that may limit its clinical utility. Issues encountered in our study support the development of an alternative and closed Web-based social platform designed specifically for the target audience with @entity72 ; this platform could be a safer and more easily moderated setting for aiding in social skills development. Despite a small sample size with no statistically significant improvements of target symptoms, the use of electronic screen media as a therapeutic tool for adolescents with @entity72 is still a promising area of research warranting further investigation. Our study helps inform future obstacles regarding feasibility and safety.

Social Skills Training for Adolescents With XXXX Using Facebook (Project Rex Connect): A Survey Study.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['participants', 'patients', 'Participants', 'person'] @entity72 :: ('MESH:D002659', 'Disease') :: ['ASD', 'autism spectrum disorder']
@entity72 :: (MESH:D002659,Disease) :: ['Autism Spectrum Disorder']
