SkillTalk: Using Streaming Video for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Build Microskills to Develop and Sustain Relationships for Healthy and Independent Living.

This SBIR project develops and tests SkillTalk, a prototype video-delivered microskills training program to improve relationship skills among transition-age adults between 18 and 28 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microskills such as showing empathy, active listening, and open-ended questioning can help build relationships. During Phase I, this project (1) conducts formative research with transition-aged adults with ASD; (2) develops content for two relationship skillsets and 20 corresponding microskills training; (3) produces training videos approximately 30 to 120 seconds in length; and (4) develops and evaluates a prototype of the SkillTalk platform. Projected outcomes include the successful development of the SkillTalk platform that provides individuals with ASD the skills to increase community involvement, form successful friendships and romantic relationships among their peers, and ultimately improve mental health outcomes and quality of life. This project is conducted in partnership with experts in ASD relationships and sexuality as well as youth with lived experience.