The development and maintenance of friendship in high-functioning children with autism

Nirit Bauminger and Cory Shulman Autism, Vol 7 (1) pp 81 - 97.

The current study investigated mothers' perceptions of the development of friendship in high-functioning children with autism and in typically developing children. Fourteen mothers in each group (autism, typical) completed the Childhood Friendship Survey regarding their children's friendships. Main results indicated that both groups (autism and typical) tended to have same-gender and same-age friendships. However, friendships of children with autism differ compared with typical children's friendships on a number of friends, friendship durations, frequency of meetings, and type of activities. Half of the friendships in the autism group were mixed (friendship with a typically developing child). Mixed differed from non-mixed friendships in that mixed pairs met and played mostly at home, whereas non-mixed pairs met and played at school. Factors contributing to the development and formation of friendship in each group are discussed.

Psychosocial functioning in a group of Swedish adults with Asperger's Syndrome or high-functioning autism, I. Engstrom, Ekstrom, B. Emilsson, Autism, Vol 7 (1), pp 99-110.

This study reports on psychosocial functioning in Swedish adults with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA). A systematically selected sample of patients and relatives was interviewed concerning their psychosocial situation. The majority was living independently. All persons but one were unemployed. None was married and none had children. Only a few had some kind of partner. Most persons needed a high level of public and/or private support. The overall adjustment was rated good in 12 per cent, fair in 75 per cent and poor in 12 per cent. Adult persons with AS/HFA have extensive need for support and their families and/or society. This information is important in order to provide adequate interventions that are in accordance with the expressed needs of the individuals themselves.