A Brief Assessment of Conversation Skills in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Effective conversation skills are vital for navigating social interactions successfully. However, many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face challenges in developing and maintaining these skills. We aimed to create a brief assessment to evaluate small talk among individuals with ASD. Three individuals diagnosed with ASD participated in the study. Assessment sessions were conducted in person, with questions asked at varying intervals to evoke participant responses. The assessment was effective in identifying potential conversation skills requiring improvement. The findings can inform the design of individualized and naturalistic interventions to enhance conversation skills in adolescents and adults with ASD, fostering improved social communication and engagement.