One of the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is difficulties with social interaction, which is the focus of this study. The main question is whether or not the level of intelligence...Show moreOne of the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is difficulties with social interaction, which is the focus of this study. The main question is whether or not the level of intelligence can explain the individual differences in the quality of social skills in children with ASD. This study consisted of 108 children between 8.2 and 14.2 years, 22 children with autism spectrum disorder, 19 boys and 3 girls (M = 10,52, SD = 1,33), and 86 children with normal development, 35 boys and 51 girls (M = 10,64, SD = 1,15). The measurement instruments used in this study are the SCVT, SSRS and two items of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales and for Children (WISC-III), block design and vocabulary. The effect of intelligence level, visual spatial skills and verbal skills, on the development of social skills was investigated. It was proposed that a higher level of intelligence was related to a higher level of social skills. These hypotheses were supported by the results. A higher level of intelligence correlated with better developed social skills, both in children with ASD and children with normal development. A higher level of visual spatial skills in children with ASD appears to be associated with better developed social skills. Both in children with ASD and children with normal development a higher level of verbal skills correlated with better developed social skills.Show less
