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Autism Spectrum DisorderPEERS®-PS-KNCT07505290

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

A study testing The Korean version of PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K) in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Seoul National University Bundang Hospital at 3 sites in South Korea.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial 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). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 4 to 6 years
Conditions the study is for
Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is being tested?
The Korean version of PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
3 sitesSouth Korea
Study dates
19 Feb 2026to 31 Mar 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 4 to 6 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Children aged 4 to 6 years (at least 4 years 0 months and less than 7 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through standardized diagnostic tools(K-ADOS-2 / K-ADI-R).
  • Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ) of 70 or higher on the Korean Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (K-WPPSI).
  • Native Korean speakers with sufficient verbal fluency to communicate in full sentences appropriate for their age.
  • Capable of participating in group activities and language-based interventions as determined through a screening procedure.
  • Parents or legal guardians who understand the study's purpose and provide voluntary informed consent for both themselves and their child.

Who cannot join

  • Parents or legal guardians who do not consent to their child's participation in the study.
  • Presence of intellectual disability or other comorbid psychiatric conditions that may interfere with study participation.
  • Children exhibiting clinically significant challenging behaviors that could disrupt group sessions.
  • Other clinically significant neurological, medical, visual, or hearing impairments.

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country.

South Korea3 sites

  • Seoul National University Bundang Hospital

    Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620

  • Kyung Hee University Medical Center

    Seoul, Dongdaemun-gu, 02447

  • The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital

    Seoul, Seocho-gu, 06591

Other trials in South Korea

About this study

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.

Read the 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.

Being tested
The Korean version of PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K)
Keywords
Social Skills Training, Parent Coaching, Preschoolers, PEERS, Randomized Controlled Trial, Early Intervention, Autism Spectrum Disorder
Medical subject headings
Autism Spectrum Disorder

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • The Korean version of PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K)Behavioural

    Also called Social Skills Training, Parent-Assisted Social Skills Intervention

    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.

Study groups in NCT07505290
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
PEERS®-PS-K Intervention GroupExperimentalParticipants in this group will receive the Korean version of the PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K) intervention immediately. This includes 16 weekly 90-minute sessions of social skills training for children and concurrent coaching sessions for parents.
Receives: Behavioral: The Korean version of PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K)
Waitlist Control GroupOtherParticipants will not receive any specialized social skills intervention during the first 16 weeks (control period). After the post-control assessment is completed, these participants will receive the same 16-week PEERS®-PS-K intervention.
Receives: Behavioral: The Korean version of PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change from Baseline in SRS-2 Total T-score at 16 weeks

    The SRS-2 includes five subscales: Social Awareness, Social Cognition, Social Communication, Social Motivation, and Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behavior. Each subscale provides a T-score to identify specific areas of social impairment.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

Secondary outcomes (12)

  1. Change in Korean version of Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-III (K-Vineland-III) score

    The Korean version of Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (K-Vineland-III) is a standardized assessment of adaptive functioning in communication, daily living skills, and socialization domains. Standard scores (Mean=100, SD=15) are used, where higher scores indicate better adaptive functioning in daily life.

    Measured: Baseline, 16 weeks, 32 weeks

  2. Change in Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) score

    The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) is a parent-report screening tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms. It assesses social interaction and communication skills. Higher total scores indicate more severe social communication deficits.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  3. Change in Quality of Socialization Questionnaire (QSQ) score

    The Quality of Socialization Questionnaire (QSQ) measures the number and quality of an individual's friendships and the frequency of social interactions. Higher scores reflect a higher quality and frequency of social involvement.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  4. Change in Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool (BRIEF-P) score

    The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) assesses executive function behaviors in preschool-aged children, including inhibition, shifting, and emotional control. Higher T-scores indicate greater executive function impairment.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  5. Change in Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC) score

    The Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC) is a parent-report measure of a child's emotional regulation and lability. Higher scores on the Emotion Regulation subscale indicate better emotional control, while higher scores on the Lability/Negativity subscale indicate greater emotional instability.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  6. Change in Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 1.5-5) score

    The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for ages 1.5-5 is used to identify emotional and behavioral problems in young children. Higher T-scores on the Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Problems scales indicate more significant behavioral challenges.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  7. Change in Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) score

    The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) is a parent-report measure designed to assess symptoms of anxiety in preschool-aged children. It covers domains such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and separation anxiety. Higher total scores indicate a higher level of anxiety symptoms in the child.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  8. Change in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score

    The STAI is a self-report instrument used to measure the presence and severity of current anxiety (state) and a general tendency to be anxious (trait) in adults. Higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety in parents.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  9. Change in Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score

    The BDI-II is a widely used self-report scale to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in adults. Higher total scores reflect more significant depressive symptoms.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  10. Change from Baseline in Korean Parent Efficacy Test (K-PET) score

    The K-PET is a standardized self-report instrument developed by Jung-mi Kim to assess parenting efficacy in parents of children aged 1 to 6 years. It consists of two main domains: the Parent domain (15 items focusing on parenting competence and satisfaction) and the Spouse domain (14 items focusing on co-parenting and spouse support). Total scores are calculated on a 5-point Likert scale, where higher scores reflect a higher sense of parenting efficacy and better co-parenting quality.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  11. Change in Parenting Stress Index-4-Short Form (PSI-4-SF) score

    The PSI-4-SF assesses the level of stress in the parent-child system. Higher total scores indicate a greater degree of stress related to the parenting role and child-rearing.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

  12. Change in Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) score

    The Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) is a self-report measure for parents to assess their relationship with their child. It evaluates aspects such as closeness and conflict within the parent-child dyad. Higher scores on the closeness subscale and lower scores on the conflict subscale indicate a more positive and secure relationship.

    Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted1 Apr 2026
  2. Study start19 Feb 2026
  3. Primary completion31 Jan 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Mar 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
The control group is a wait-list control; they will receive the same PEERS®-PS-K intervention after the initial 16-week assessment period.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07505290
Sponsor's protocol ID
B-2601-1021-001
Other IDs
02-2025-0004
Acronym
PEERS®-PS-K
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
26 Mar 2026
Last updated
1 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data will not be shared to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the study participants, who are young children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The informed consent obtained from parents does not include provisions for the public sharing of raw individual data.

Publications

  • Corbett BA, Swain DM, Coke C, Simon D, Newsom C, Houchins-Juarez N, Jenson A, Wang L, Song Y. Improvement in social deficits in autism spectrum disorders using a theatre-based, peer-mediated intervention. Autism Res. 2014 Feb;7(1):4-16. doi: 10.1002/aur.1341. Epub 2013 Oct 22.

    PubMed 24150989

  • Warreyn P, Roeyers H, De Groote I. Early social communicative behaviours of preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder during interaction with their mothers. Autism. 2005 Oct;9(4):342-61. doi: 10.1177/1362361305056076.

    PubMed 16155053

  • Wallace GL, Kenworthy L, Pugliese CE, Popal HS, White EI, Brodsky E, Martin A. Real-World Executive Functions in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Profiles of Impairment and Associations with Adaptive Functioning and Co-morbid Anxiety and Depression. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Mar;46(3):1071-83. doi: 10.1007/s10803-015-2655-7.

    PubMed 26572659

  • Tripathi I, Estabillo JA, Moody CT, Laugeson EA. Long-Term Treatment Outcomes of PEERS(R) for Preschoolers: A Parent-Mediated Social Skills Training Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2022 Jun;52(6):2610-2626. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05147-w. Epub 2021 Jul 24.

    PubMed 34302574

  • Pickles A, Le Couteur A, Leadbitter K, Salomone E, Cole-Fletcher R, Tobin H, Gammer I, Lowry J, Vamvakas G, Byford S, Aldred C, Slonims V, McConachie H, Howlin P, Parr JR, Charman T, Green J. Parent-mediated social communication therapy for young children with autism (PACT): long-term follow-up of a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2016 Nov 19;388(10059):2501-2509. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31229-6. Epub 2016 Oct 25.

    PubMed 27793431

  • McClelland MM, Gonzales CR, Cameron CE, Geldhof GJ, Bowles RP, Nancarrow AF, Merculief A, Tracy A. The Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Revised: Links to Academic Outcomes and Measures of EF in Young Children. Front Psychol. 2021 Sep 7;12:721846. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.721846. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 34557135

  • Isella C, Gasparini A, Lucca G, Ielmini M, Caselli I, Poloni N, Dajelli Ermolli C, Caravati F, Castiglioni B, De Ponti R, Callegari C. Resilience, Cardiological Outcome, and Their Correlations With Anxious-Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Nov 24;12:763726. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.763726. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 34899424

  • Kim JH, Kim YA, Song DY, Cho HB, Lee HB, Park JH, Lim JI, Hong MH, Chae PK, Yoo HJ. An Intervention Program Targeting Daily Adaptive Skills Through Executive Function Training for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study. Psychiatry Investig. 2021 Jun;18(6):513-522. doi: 10.30773/pi.2020.0423. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

    PubMed 34218640

  • Laugeson EA, Frankel F, Gantman A, Dillon AR, Mogil C. Evidence-based social skills training for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: the UCLA PEERS program. J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Jun;42(6):1025-36. doi: 10.1007/s10803-011-1339-1.

    PubMed 21858588

  • Kim YS, Leventhal BL, Koh YJ, Fombonne E, Laska E, Lim EC, Cheon KA, Kim SJ, Kim YK, Lee H, Song DH, Grinker RR. Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in a total population sample. Am J Psychiatry. 2011 Sep;168(9):904-12. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.10101532. Epub 2011 May 9.

    PubMed 21558103

  • Vaasjo E, Black SR, Pastor A, Whiteside DP. ASSESSING THE HUMORAL RESPONSE TO AND SAFETY OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE EQUINE WEST NILE VIRUS VACCINE IN A ZOO-BASED CONSERVATION BREEDING POPULATION OF ENDANGERED GREATER SAGE-GROUSE (CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS). J Zoo Wildl Med. 2021 Jun;52(2):732-736. doi: 10.1638/2020-0076.

    PubMed 34130419

  • Kim JH, Song DY, Han HS, Yoon NH, Cho HB, Lee HB, Choi KH, Chae PK, Bong G, Ahn S, Yoo HJ. Improving adaptive behaviors for autistic adults without intellectual disability through executive function training. Asian J Psychiatr. 2023 Jun;84:103579. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103579. Epub 2023 Apr 5.

    PubMed 37043906

  • Sabharwal V, Demos R, Snyder-Cappione J, Parker SE, Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb Y, Hunnewell J, Boateng J, Clarke K, Yuen R, Barnett E, Yarrington C, Taglauer E, Wachman EM. Cytokine levels in maternal and infant blood after COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy in comparison with unvaccinated controls. J Reprod Immunol. 2023 Mar;156:103821. doi: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103821. Epub 2023 Jan 29.

    PubMed 36764228

  • Khachadourian V, Mahjani B, Sandin S, Kolevzon A, Buxbaum JD, Reichenberg A, Janecka M. Comorbidities in autism spectrum disorder and their etiologies. Transl Psychiatry. 2023 Feb 25;13(1):71. doi: 10.1038/s41398-023-02374-w.

    PubMed 36841830

  • Kenworthy L, Anthony LG, Naiman DQ, Cannon L, Wills MC, Luong-Tran C, Werner MA, Alexander KC, Strang J, Bal E, Sokoloff JL, Wallace GL. Randomized controlled effectiveness trial of executive function intervention for children on the autism spectrum. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014 Apr;55(4):374-83. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12161. Epub 2013 Nov 21.

    PubMed 24256459

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing The Korean version of PEERS® for Preschoolers (PEERS®-PS-K) in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Seoul National University Bundang Hospital at 3 sites in South Korea.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in South Korea. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change from Baseline in SRS-2 Total T-score at 16 weeks (time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (16 weeks), and Follow-up (32 weeks)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07505290, which also lists 30 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Apr 2026.

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