NCT07505290

Efficacy of the Korean PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K) Social Skills Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Seoul National University Bundang Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 4 Years – 6 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Korean version of the PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K), a parent-assisted social skills intervention for preschool-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving the PEERS®-PS-K program, or a wait-list control group. The study focuses on improving social skills, such as making friends and interacting with peers, through structured lessons and parent coaching.

Detailed description

The Korean PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K) is a culturally adapted version of the original PEERS® program developed at UCLA. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will investigate the social communication improvements in preschoolers with ASD. The intervention consists of weekly 90-minute sessions for 16 weeks. Children learn social skills through puppet shows and role-playing, while parents receive concurrent coaching to support their children's social interactions in natural settings. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up to assess social responsiveness and behavioral changes.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	The Korean version of PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K)	The Korean version of PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K) is a 16-week, parent-assisted social skills intervention for preschoolers with ASD. The program consists of weekly 90-minute sessions. Children are taught social skills through puppet shows, role-playing, and structured play, focusing on making friends, playing with peers, and managing conflicts. Concurrently, parents receive coaching sessions to learn how to facilitate their children's social interactions and manage playdates in natural settings. Weekly homework is assigned to generalize the learned skills.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-19
• Primary completion: 2027-01-31
• Completion: 2027-03-31
• First posted: 2026-04-01
• Last updated: 2026-04-01

Locations

3 sites across 1 country: South Korea