A Multi-dimensional Perspective of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Friendship
Open Access
Author:
Friedman, Jillian Michelle
Area of Honors:
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Erinn Heer Finke, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Carol Anne Miller, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
friendship autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the experience of a child with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder during the process of initiating and maintaining friendships. Data were collected from multiple stakeholders for the current investigation including a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a typically developing child and the parent of the child with ASD. Various perspectives were gathered related to the topic of interest in order to generate a complete view of this child’s experiences. This study used qualitative interview methodology to understand the concept of friendship, specifically developing and maintaining friends. Several themes and sub-themes emerged from the data and are reviewed and discussed. The main themes included: (a) defining friendship; (b) initiating friendships; (c) activities and interests; (d) maintaining friendships; (e) number of friends; (f) feelings of friendship; (g) defining the perfect friend.
