Intellectual ability, self-perceived social competence, and depressive symptomatology in children with high-functioning autistic spectrum disorders

J Autism Dev Disord. 2007 Oct;37(9):1647-64. doi: 10.1007/s10803-006-0292-x. Epub 2006 Dec 5.

Abstract

Although social competence deficits in children with high-functioning autistic spectrum disorders (HFASD) are well documented, there is little research investigating self-perceptions of social limitations. This study replicated research showing a negative association between self-perceived social competence and intellectual ability and investigated associations between self-perceived social competence and depressive symptomatology. Participants were 22 children with HFASD, aged 7-13 years with intelligence quotient (IQ) scores of 82-141. Parent- (N = 18) and teacher- (N = 17) rated social competence was lower for children with HFASD compared with a normative sample. Higher age and IQ predicted lower levels of self-perceived social competence, and low self-perceived social competence predicted higher levels of depressive symptomatology. Almost a third of children rated themselves for depression; parent ratings suggested even higher levels.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Perceptual Disorders / diagnosis
  • Perceptual Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Self Concept*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Social Perception*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires