Exploring Social Skills Difficulties of Youth with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD) in Malaysia: Comparison of Perspectives from Youth,Parents and Professionals

Abstract

High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD) describes individuals who lack intellectual disability but show deficits in communication and social interaction. The double empathy problem (DEP) suggests that social miscommunication involves differences in communication and understanding emotions between individuals with and without autism. This qualitative study examines social difficulties faced by HFASD youths in Malaysia, gathering perspectives from the youths, parents, and experts. Interviews with 26 participants, including 13 HFASD youths, 7 parents, and 6 healthcare experts in Kuala Lumpur, reveal various insights. HFASD youths struggle with non-verbal cues, language barriers, and initiating conversations, with varying motivation levels. Parents highlight their children's rigid interests, insecurities, and lack of self-awareness. Healthcare experts stress deficiencies in perspective-taking and understanding pragmatics, noting high anxiety as a significant social barrier. Understanding these challenges from multiple perspectives can inform effective social skills interventions for HFASD youths.

Keywords

high functioning autism spectrum disorder social skills difficulties perspectives communication social interaction

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