Training Soccer Skills to Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder via Peer-Mediated Behavioral Skills Training

Chambers et al. (2020) asked typical high-school teammates to run short BST blocks.

The peers first showed the soccer move, then practiced it with three teens with ASD.

Coaches watched and gave quick praise or fixes until each teen hit the move every time.

All three teens kicked, dribbled, and passed far better after the peer-led sessions.

The gains stayed high when the coach stepped back, proving peers can carry the load.

Higgins et al. (2021) reviewed twenty studies and say BST is evidence-based for parents.

Chambers widens the circle: peers, not just adults, can run BST and still win big.

Green-Short et al. (2025) also used BST for sport form, but adults with IDD did not score more points.

Chambers shows the teen peers taught both form and game use, hinting age-mates may add social push that adults miss.

You no longer need to be the only trainer. Pick two willing classmates, give them a quick script, and let them deliver instructions, models, and praise while you fade to the side. The athlete with autism gets more reps and the team gains a built-in support net. Try it at next practice: peers demo, practice, and praise for five minutes, then you measure one clean kick.