Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Paper

Authors: Lasgaard, Mathias, Nielsen, Annette, Eriksen, Mette, Goossens, Luc
Source: Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, Feb2010, Vol. 40 Issue 2, p218-226
The present study investigates whether adolescents with ASD are more likely to report feeling lonely than typically developing adolescents. Additionally, the study investigates the relationship between loneliness and perceived social support. 39 adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were examined for Loneliness and perceived social support. Twenty-one percent of the boys with ASD described themselves as often feeling lonely, Compared to the 199 boys, from regular schools in the study. ASD was strongly with a higher degree of loneliness & negatively perceived there support from
A hallmark of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is poor social functioning, which acts as an impediment to the development of social relationships. The social deficit in ASD is marked by impairment in the use of nonverbal behaviors, failure to develop peer relationships, a lack of seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with others, and a general lack of social or emotional reciprocity. Generally characterized by poor friendships, often lack social skills, and commonly experience peer rejection. Lack of social integration and rejection by peers in adolescence is reflected in a higher degree of loneliness. Loneliness is associated with mental health problems, for instance, depressive affect, anxiety, and suicide ideation, and recently there has been a growing interest in the clinical significance of loneliness. Evidence suggests that loneliness, increases and is most prevalent during this developmental period. A considerable number of studies have found that children and adolescents with learning disabilities display a higher degree of loneliness than average-achieving classmates. These studies indicate that suffering from a mental disorder in adolescence may