Using a community engaged research approach to develop the social skills training program for adults with Williams syndrome.

This article focuses on the development of a distance-delivered social skills training program for adults with Williams syndrome (SSTP-WS) using a community engaged research approach. The program was created through six phases involving input from adults with Williams syndrome, caregivers, educators, service providers, and researchers to ensure it addressed the unique cognitive, behavioral, and social characteristics of this low-incidence neurogenetic condition. Delivered via telehealth, the SSTP-WS aims to improve social communication, social cognition, and social reciprocity while addressing social safety and community participation needs specific to Williams syndrome. The development process emphasized accessibility, feasibility, and alignment with community values, although challenges such as technology use and limited direct engagement with adults with Williams syndrome were noted. The article highlights the importance of community involvement in creating tailored interventions and suggests telehealth as a viable method to increase access to specialized social skills training for this population.