Relationship between Characteristics of Developmental Disability and Social Skills in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Children with characteristics of developmental disabilities often have problems in peer relationship at school. Several studies have indicated that these children also exhibit mental health problems such as depression. We investigated the relationship between the characteristics of developmental disabilities (ASD, ADHD, and DCD) and social skills in children and adolescents attending regular classes (N = 6574). Characteristics of developmental disabilities were evaluated by using parent’s rating questionnaires including ASSQ, ADHDRS-IV, and DCDQ-J respectively, and the teacher’s rating questionnaire; Social Skill Scale for Children. Results indicated that characteristics of ASD, ADHD, and DCD were related to the overall social skills score, suggesting that the characteristics of developmental disabilities in school-aged children reduce their social skills. The results of this study suggest the need for teachers to attend to the characteristics of developmental disabilities when managing classrooms for children and adolescents.