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Understanding the social functioning ability of adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder attending special schools in Singapore
Author
Ong, Yolanda Hui Ying
Supervisor
Poon, Kenneth K.
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication, social interaction and the presence of repetitive/stereotypical patterns of behaviours, interests or activities. Having a family member with ASD tend to affect the quality of life of the family member with ASD and their family, specifically their opportunities to and ability to participate in social activities and situations. The aim of the current study is to explore and identify subtypes of social functioning profiles of moderate to severe functioning individuals with ASD. Another area of interest is to examine how social functioning subtypes of the individuals with ASD may affect the family’s opportunities for social and community participation, and attainment level. Teachers of 60 adolescents with ASD were surveyed using the Gilliams Autism Rating Scale, Third Edition (GARS-3). Cluster analysis was conducted using the subscale scores on the GARS-3. Additionally, a one-way ANOVA was conducted between the resultant social functioning subtypes and selected dimension of the leisure and community interaction domain of the Family Quality of Life Survey (FQoLS-2006). Data from the FQoLS-2006 was collected as part of a broader data collection endeavour. The results suggests that there are three subtypes of social functioning profile within the current ASD population: high support, moderate support, and low support. However, the current study did not find any statistically significant impact of social functioning subtype on families’ opportunities and ability to engage in social and community participation and activities.
Date Issued
2017
Call Number
HM1111 Ong
Date Submitted
2017