Peer relationships in children with Williams syndrome: parent and teacher insights

Gillooly, A. E., Riby, D. M., Durkin, K. and Rhodes, S. M. (2021) Peer relationships in children with Williams syndrome: parent and teacher insights. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(1), pp. 169-178. (doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04503-6) (PMID:32394313)

Abstract

Although children with Williams syndrome (WS) are reported to show a strong motivation towards social interaction, evidence suggests many experience difficulties with peer relations. Less is known regarding the characteristics of such difficulties. Parents and teachers of 21 children with WS (7- to 16 years) completed questionnaires measuring aspects of social functioning and peer interactions. Parents and teachers reported that children with WS demonstrated significantly greater peer problems than population norms, including difficulties sustaining friendships and increased social exclusion. More substantial social functioning difficulties were associated with greater peer relation problems. The study provides multi-informant evidence of peer relationship difficulties in children with WS that require further consideration within the broader WS social phenotype.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by a PhD Studentship from the University of Strathclyde to the first author.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gillooly, Dr Amanda
• Authors: Gillooly, A. E., Riby, D. M., Durkin, K., and Rhodes, S. M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0162-3257
• ISSN (Online): 1573-3432
• Published Online: 12 May 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
• First Published: First published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 51(1): 169-178
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher