Leiden University Student Repository

Veen, M.S.M. (2013)

Sociale angst bij kinderen met een autismespectrumstoornis en het effect van sociale vaardigheden

Master thesis | Education and Child Studies (MSc)

Many studies have shown increased social anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This anxiety can result from a combination of factors, including poor social skills. This study will examine if social skill rates will affect the levels of social anxiety. A total of 114 children participated in the study, 86 children in the control group, 28 children in de ASD-group. To measure social anxiety we used the Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SAS-K). Social skills were measured with the Social Cognitive Skills Test (SCST). We found no significant difference in the levels of social anxiety and the rates of social skills between the two groups. For children with ASD, there appeared to be no relation between social anxiety and social skills, social skills did not predict social anxiety. We did find a significant (but weak) relation between these variables for the control group, social skills proved to be a significant predictor of social anxiety for these children. False...Show moreMany studies have shown increased social anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This anxiety can result from a combination of factors, including poor social skills. This study will examine if social skill rates will affect the levels of social anxiety. A total of 114 children participated in the study, 86 children in the control group, 28 children in de ASD-group. To measure social anxiety we used the Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SAS-K). Social skills were measured with the Social Cognitive Skills Test (SCST). We found no significant difference in the levels of social anxiety and the rates of social skills between the two groups. For children with ASD, there appeared to be no relation between social anxiety and social skills, social skills did not predict social anxiety. We did find a significant (but weak) relation between these variables for the control group, social skills proved to be a significant predictor of social anxiety for these children. False comorbidity in previous studies could be the cause of these contradicting results. The non-significant difference in social skills between the groups could mean that children with ASD do possess social cognitive skills, but cannot apply these in social situations. There are also limitations to the study which could affect the results.Show less

Sociale angst

Autisme

Sociale vaardigheden

Author

Veen, M.S.M.

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Ontwikkelingsstoornissen

Supervisors

Zantinge, G.M.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

nl