Social Cognition with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Peer Relationships
Graduation Date
Spring 2010
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madeliene Peters, EdD
Abstract
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders have deficits in social cognition, and as a result, face many social communication barriers especially with their peers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether social knowledge could be improved for students with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders. Previous studies have shown that these individuals can make significant gains in social interactions with interventions focused on social interactions and understanding. The participants of this ten day study included six fifth grade high functioning students with Autism Spectrum Disorders between the ages of 10 and 11. The results of the study showed that with an intensive social thinking program social knowledge could be improved for students with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders.