The relationships between theory of mind, social skills, and friendship quality in adolescents with and without autism spectrum condition

Abstract

<p>Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social communication challenges impacting friendships forming and maintaining. The present study investigates the relationships between ToM, social skills, problem behaviors, and friendship quality in adolescents and young adults with and without ASC. This study recruited 107 individuals with ASC (male: 74, Mage = 18.55 years) and 192 without ASC (male: 101, Mage = 16.65 years). The results revealed that individuals with ASC reported lower friendship quality in companionship, help, security, and closeness, yet experienced more conflicts than their non-ASC peers. Individuals with ASC also exhibited weaker ToM abilities. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between ToM, social skills, problem behaviors, and friendship quality in both groups. A multi-group structural equation modeling indicated a significant positive direct effect of ToM on social skills in both groups, which is stronger in the ASC group. Additionally, a significant direct effect of ToM on friendship quality was identified, with social skills mediating the ToM-friendship quality relationship in the ASC group. These findings provide insights into the social cognitive and behavioral processes that influence friendship quality in individuals with ASC and emphasize the importance of targeted interventions enhancing social skills and ToM abilities in this population.<br></p>