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

Amanda E. Gillooly, Deborah M. Riby, Kevin Durkin, Sinéad M. Rhodes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
18 Downloads (Pure)

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.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 May 2020

Keywords

  • Williams syndrome
  • social skills
  • social functioning
  • peer relationships

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Peer relationships in children with Williams Syndrome: parent and teacher insights'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this