The relation between peer acceptance and feelings of loneliness in autistic pre-adolescents

Low peer acceptance in childhood can lead to negative outcomes, including loneliness. Autistic adolescents are known to experience social challenges, possibly indicating low peer acceptance and resulting in more loneliness. Therefore, the present study examined peer acceptance, loneliness, and the link between these two constructs, comparing autistic and non-autistic pre-adolescents. Data was collected from two special education schools in the Netherlands. We analysed 75 children aged 8-12 (mean 10.6), of which 34 where autistic and 41 non-autistic, including differential diagnoses. The Child Loneliness Scale measured loneliness. Peer nominations (playmate preferences and reciprocated friendships) and proximity sensors (centrality in playground peer networks) measured peer acceptance. A one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in loneliness between autistic and non-autistic children. A one-way MANOVA showed no significant effect of autism on playmate preferences and playground...Show moreLow peer acceptance in childhood can lead to negative outcomes, including loneliness. Autistic adolescents are known to experience social challenges, possibly indicating low peer acceptance and resulting in more loneliness. Therefore, the present study examined peer acceptance, loneliness, and the link between these two constructs, comparing autistic and non-autistic pre-adolescents. Data was collected from two special education schools in the Netherlands. We analysed 75 children aged 8-12 (mean 10.6), of which 34 where autistic and 41 non-autistic, including differential diagnoses. The Child Loneliness Scale measured loneliness. Peer nominations (playmate preferences and reciprocated friendships) and proximity sensors (centrality in playground peer networks) measured peer acceptance. A one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in loneliness between autistic and non-autistic children. A one-way MANOVA showed no significant effect of autism on playmate preferences and playground centrality, but significantly fewer reciprocated friendships for autistic children. A Hierarchical Multiple Regression revealed that overall peer acceptance and autism did not significantly predict loneliness. The present study found that although autistic children had less reciprocated friendships, they did not feel lonelier and were similarly accepted in peer groups as non-autistic peers. Thus, being accepted by the group, although not necessarily with close individual friendships, could help mitigate loneliness in autistic pre-adolescents.Show less

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The relation between peer acceptance and feelings of loneliness in autistic pre-adolescents