Brief Report: Social Functioning Predicts Externalizing Problem Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
N Shea, E Payne, N Russo
PMID 29423607WHAT IT FOUND
In 29 children and adolescents with autism, lower parent-rated social functioning was linked to higher parent-reported externalizing behavior.
This link was not seen in 29 matched typical peers. It suggests behavior problems may relate to social difficulties.
Key findings
01In the ASD group, lower socialization scores were associated with higher externalizing problem scores.
02In the TD group, socialization scores were not significantly associated with externalizing problem scores.
03Participants with ASD had higher externalizing problem scores than TD participants, with higher hyperactivity and aggression but not conduct problems.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample was small: 29 participants with ASD and 29 typically developing participants. All data were collected at the same time point, so the study cannot show which came first. All participants had normal-range cognitive abilities, so findings may not apply across the full autism spectrum. The comparison group was typically developing children, not children with ADHD or both ASD and ADHD, so it cannot show whether the social-behavior link is unique to ASD. Socialization and externalizing scores were based on parent report, not direct observation. The authors say the findings are preliminary and need corroboration from longitudinal and intervention work.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof that improving social skills will reduce externalizing behaviors. The study measured both at the same time in 29 participants with ASD, so it can only show an association, not a treatment effect.