Meta-Analysis of Soft Skills Interventions for Transition-Age Autistic Individuals.

Choi et al. (2025) pooled 18 studies that taught soft skills to autistic young adults.

All studies focused on the transition years—roughly 18 to 25—when kids leave high school and try college, work, or living alone.

The team looked at group-design papers and used meta-analysis to see how much social adjustment, job performance, and everyday skills improved.

Soft-skills training gave a medium-sized boost across social, work, and daily-living measures.

The gains were real and held up when the researchers ran the numbers.

Wang et al. (2013) saw large effects in their meta of 115 single-case studies, but that pool mixed all ages. The new review trims the age range and finds a smaller, steadier medium effect—evidence the field is maturing, not contradicting.

Sung et al. (2019) ran an 8-week job-focused soft-skills group and got positive pre-post scores. Heerak’s 2025 meta now shows that single-program win is part of a wider pattern, giving you more reason to adopt employment curricula.

Williams et al. (2024) tested virtual interview training for BIPOC autistic youth and still saw medium gains. The 2025 meta adds in-person programs and says the payoff is reliable across formats—face-to-face or Zoom, you can expect similar social growth.

If you serve transition-age clients, you now have meta-level proof that soft-skills groups work. Fold short modules on greetings, small talk, and workplace etiquette into your behavior plan. Mix formats—some in-vivo, some online—to fit each learner’s setting and culture.