The Importance of the Social Impact in Autism

A recently published research paper in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry conducted by a group of investigators from the University of Connecticut found a small group of children , originally diagnosed with autism had managed to learn to function as well as their typically developing peers, without any symptoms of autism.

This is a very unusual scenario as people with autism seldom lose their symptoms, though many show progress and improvements, particularly with intensive interventions. Outcomes for these children can vary significantly, but not typically to this level. And of course, we always wonder was the child misdiagnosed in the first place? The study addresses these concerns, but interestingly notes that those children who were initially diagnosed with autism, but who were noted to have a mild social deficit, were among those who were in the optimal outcome group. To me, that explains a lot. Of the three main deficits characteristic of autism, (communication, repetitive behaviors/interests, social) it is the social deficit that so defines the disorder. If a child can learn the "mechanics of interaction, the skills we use in daily social situations in all areas of our lives" as Temple Grandin says, this will have a huge positive impact on the child's life.

Although we don't know the exact interventions the most successful children in the study were offered, I would expect that there was a significant emphasis on social skills and making social connections. Once the broad frameworks of social awareness develops, real relationships can be forged that are meaningful and continue to build on themselves. This is so critical to a child's success in the world.

It is encouraging to see some of the very strict ABA programs beginning to recognize the importance of the social/cognition connections. It has certainly been what has been missing in the past with these methods and techniques. It seems that maybe now interventions are seeing the significance of a more naturalistic approach to facilitate a better awareness of social situations and social thinking.