Perceptions of popularity among a group of high-functioning adults with autism

The purpose of this study was to determine how a group of adults with autism perceived one another's interpersonal attributes and popularity. Five female and 11 male high-functioning autistic adults, 18-45 years old, participated in a social skills group together for several years. A sociogram and a questionnaire designed to determine perceptions of best looking, most athletic, and most humorous group members were administered to group members and nonhandicapped group leaders. Independent assessments of intelligence and empathy also were taken. Results indicated that perceived attractiveness and sense of humor were correlated with popularity, but group members' assessments of these attributes differed from those of the nonhandicapped group leaders. Differences between group members and group leaders responses and the implications of the results of the study for social skills training with high-functioning autistic adolescents and adults are discussed.