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Characterizing the Relationship Among the Social Competence Elements in Autistic Adolescents
Alexandra P Key1, Trey McGonigle2, Jinyuan Liu2
1Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Summary
Social competence in autism involves interconnected social brain, cognition, behavior, and functioning. Effective interventions require addressing all components, not just one, for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Autism Research
Background:
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit significant challenges in social competence.
- Existing models propose social competence relies on interconnected components: social brain, cognition, behavior, and functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically evaluate the theoretical model of social competence by Kennedy and Adolphs (2012) in youth with ASD.
- To test the mediation effect of social cognition (Theory of Mind) from social brain markers to social behavior and functioning.
- To examine if the social competence model structure differs between autistic males and females.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 243 youth (aged 10-17 years) diagnosed with ASD.
- Employed event-related potential markers for face perception and memory (social brain).
- Assessed social cognition using Theory of Mind, social behavior via the Contextual Assessment of Social Skills, and functioning through the Child Behavior Checklist.
Main Results:
- Findings support the conceptual model, indicating social cognition mediates the influence of the social brain on social behavior and functioning.
- A direct pathway between the social brain and social behavior was also identified.
- The structure of the social competence model did not significantly differ based on biological sex in autistic participants.
Conclusions:
- Social competence in ASD is best understood as a network of direct and indirect connections among neural, cognitive, and behavioral components.
- Interventions for autism should adopt a holistic approach, addressing all elements of social competence rather than focusing on isolated aspects.
- Active engagement with social cues is crucial for improving social behavior and functioning in individuals with ASD.
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