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Examining the Process and Impact of Social Problem Solving in Autistic Children.
Morgan L McNair1, Victoria Mondejar1, Erin J Libsack1
1Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-2500, USA.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|February 23, 2024
Summary
Social problem solving (SPS) skills in autistic children are key to navigating social challenges. Specific SPS components, like problem identification, uniquely predict fewer social difficulties, highlighting intervention targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Cognition
Background:
- Social problem solving (SPS) is crucial for navigating social situations.
- Autistic individuals often exhibit challenges in SPS, contributing to social difficulties.
- Previous research has not comprehensively analyzed the discrete and combined predictive power of SPS components on autism-related symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interrelationships among Social Problem Solving (SPS) components.
- To determine how individual and combined SPS components predict autism-related symptoms and social difficulties in autistic children.
- To identify specific SPS components that are most influential in mitigating social challenges in autism.
Main Methods:
- A computerized assessment of Social Problem Solving (SPS) was administered to 58 autistic children (ages 6-10).
- Commonality analyses were performed to assess the discrete and conjoint predictive contributions of SPS components.
- Parent-reported measures of autism-related symptoms and social difficulties were used as outcome variables.
Main Results:
- Socially normative problem identification, goal preference, and solution preference were significantly associated with fewer parent-reported autism-related social difficulties.
- Problem identification emerged as the strongest unique predictor of reduced social difficulties.
- Shared variance across all SPS components substantially contributed to explaining social difficulties, indicating interrelation.
Conclusions:
- Social problem solving components are interrelated yet distinct constructs within the autistic population.
- Targeting specific SPS components, particularly problem identification, may effectively reduce social difficulties in autistic children.
- Findings support the refinement of SPS-focused interventions for enhancing social competence in autism spectrum disorder.
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