The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a motor‐based, social skills intervention for two adolescents with high‐functioning autism (HFA) using single‐subject design. A description of the intervention is provided as a first step in the manualization process. The intervention was provided as a 7‐week after‐school program, once weekly to the paired participants. Intervention consisted of role‐play methods in which motor behaviours were linked with their cognitive and emotional meanings. Baseline, intervention and 3‐month probe data collection periods were carried out and then compared using visual inspection of graphed data, paired t‐tests and a three‐standard‐deviation‐band approach. Both participants displayed a statistically significant increase in targeted social skills behaviours from baseline to intervention and maintained this level at a 3‐month post‐intervention probe. These single‐subject design cases illustrate that motor‐based, social skills interventions may be effective for adolescents with HFA and warrant further testing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.