Effectiveness of Social Problem-Solving Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Social problem-solving (SPS) is a core component of social-emotional learning (SEL) that integrates cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes essential for adaptive social functioning. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience persistent difficulties in these domains, highlighting the need for effective interventions. This meta-analysis quantitatively synthesized evidence on the effectiveness of SPS interventions for children with ASD. Nineteen group-design studies involving 741 participants met inclusion criteria. Using random-effects models, the pooled results revealed a significant, moderate overall effect on SPS competence (Cohen's d = 0.53, 95% CI [0.15, 1.01], p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses further indicated that teacher-led and school-based implementations produced stronger effects than researcher-led interventions in non-school contexts, underscoring the importance of ecological validity. SPS interventions also generated moderate-to-large improvements in related SEL domains, including social skills, emotion recognition, theory of mind, and executive function. These findings support SPS as a pivotal mechanism for promoting social-emotional development in children with ASD. Future research should employ more rigorous designs, report implementation fidelity, and examine the sustainability of teacher-led interventions within naturalistic school settings.