In this research differences in social interaction and social communication skills among primary school children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD and a combination of both disorders were...Show moreIn this research differences in social interaction and social communication skills among primary school children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD and a combination of both disorders were investigated. Ages ranged from four until thirteen years old. The sample (N = 371) existed out of 231 boys and 140 girls. The adaptive skills were measured by the Adaptieve Vaardigheden Jeugdigen (AVJ). By this questionnaire parents rated on a five point Likert scale several behavioral indices which are part of social communication and social interaction skills. All children diagnosed with developmental psychopathology differentiated significantly from the children without any disorders. No gender and age differences were found among the groups. Children with ADHD and the children with ASD didn’t differ from each other regarding the communication skills. Regarding social interaction skills, there was no significant difference found between the children with ADHD and the children without psychopathology. Also there was no difference found between children with ASD and children with a comorbidity of both disorders. Explanations are found in cognitive psychology, the development of empathy and pro social behavior and gender specific behaviors.Show less
