Exploration of Social Skill Deficit Level among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Punjab and ICT

Abstract

Aim of the Study: To explore social skill deficit level of children with ASD in Punjab and ICT.

Methodology: The study was descriptive research with survey research design. All the confirmed and diagnosed children with ASD in ICT and Punjab special education institutes were the population and sample of the study.  Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) developed by John Constantino (2005) was used to measures social skill deficit level of children with ASD in following five subscales i.e., social awareness, social cognition, social communication, social motivation and restricted interest & repetitive behavior.  Data was collected through the tool containing statements in Urdu and English language in both soft (google form) and hard version.

Findings: More than 82% of children were having moderate to severe deficit level of social skills. Parental qualification and financial status were found as major factors which make the significance difference in social skill scores of the children with ASD.

Conclusion: No significant difference was found in the scores of children with ASD having enrolment of one year or many years in schools which raise the question about efficacy of existing services provided to the children with ASD.