"Social and Communication Skill Deficits in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study"

Abstract

There are notable social interaction deficiencies in both verbal and non-verbal communication of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), better understanding of major deficits is crucial in planning management. A qualitative study was done on 10 children within age range of 6-15 years with ASD through focused group interview/discussion with parents and teachers. Sample was taken from Deepshikha Institute for Child Development & Mental Health, Namkum, Ranchi, Jharkhand. A semi-structured Proforma, Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA), Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale, Vineland Social Maturity Scale, and semi-structured interview schedule for parents and teachers were used for data collection. Thematic analysis was done on the responses provided in focused group interview/discussion. In results two major themes emerged i.e., social and communication skills and emotions with sub-themes of verbal communication, non-verbal communication, identifying emotion and managing emotions. Planning for the management of ASD should emphasis on significant deficiencies in social communication skills as well as emotions, which are a component of social competence.