Self-regulation predicts companionship in children with autism.

Nuske, Heather J; Shih, Wendy I; Sparapani, Nicole; Baczewski, Lauren; Dimachkie Nunnally, Amanda; Hochheimer, Samantha; Garcia, Consuelo; Castellon, Fernanda; Levato, Lynne; Fischer, Erin; Atkinson-Diaz, Zabryna L; Li, Jennica; Mandell, David S; Kasari, Connie.

Afiliação

Nuske HJ; Penn Center for Mental Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Shih WI; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Sparapani N; University of California Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
Baczewski L; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Dimachkie Nunnally A; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Hochheimer S; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
Garcia C; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Castellon F; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Levato L; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
Fischer E; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
Atkinson-Diaz ZL; Penn Center for Mental Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Li J; University of California Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
Mandell DS; Penn Center for Mental Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Kasari C; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Int J Dev Disabil ; 68(6): 889-899, 2022.

Article em En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36568619

ABSTRACT

Self-regulation is associated with many positive outcomes in children with and without autism, including increased mental health and academic achievement, and decreased problem behavior. Less is known regarding whether and how self-regulation and symptoms of mental health challenges (internalizing and externalizing problems) relate to social outcomes, such as friendship quality and loneliness. Parents and teachers of 106 children with autism aged 5-12 reported on children's self-regulation difficulties and externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Four-to-five months later, children reported on the quality of their friendship with their best friend (companionship, conflict, helpfulness, sense of relationship security, closeness), and their feelings of loneliness. Linear regression was used to examine the effects of self-regulation and symptoms of mental health challenges on friendship quality and loneliness. Less self-regulation difficulties predicted stronger companionship and girls had better quality friendships with their best friend than did boys, in terms of companionship, helpfulness, security and closeness, confirming that they have a protective advantage in friendship development. Autism symptoms, IQ, and age were not associated with friendship quality or loneliness. Results highlight the importance of self-regulation and mental health interventions for school-aged children with autism.

Palavras-chave

autism; depression; externalizing problems; friendship; loneliness; mental health: internalizing problems; self-regulation

Texto completo: 1 Base de dados: MEDLINE Idioma: En Ano de publicação: 2022 Tipo de documento: Article