Early Intervention and Social Decision-Making Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from Jordan
摘要
Early intervention (EI) is considered important for social and adaptive outcomes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet evidence from Jordan is limited. In this study, social decision-making competencies include self-control, social awareness, group participation, and decision-making/social problem-solving. Adaptive outcomes refer to mothers’ descriptions of everyday functional changes in real-life settings.
MethodsMothers of children and adolescents with ASD in Jordan (n = 119) completed structured questionnaires rating these competencies and related behaviors. EI history was based on mothers’ reports of prior structured EI services. Quantitative comparisons were conducted between an EI-history group and a no-EI group, stratified by age (6–12; 13–16) and pooled (6–16). A subsample completed in-depth interviews to contextualize questionnaire patterns; qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis within an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design.
ResultsIn pooled analyses (6–16), the EI-history group showed higher scores across all three dimensions: Self-Control (adjusted p = 0.015), Social Awareness/Group Participation (adjusted p < 0.001), and Decision-Making/Social Problem-Solving (adjusted p = 0.002). In children aged 6–12, all three dimensions were higher in the EI-history group: Self-Control (adjusted p = 0.012), Social Awareness/Group Participation (adjusted p < 0.001), and Decision-Making/Social Problem-Solving (adjusted p < 0.001). Among adolescents aged 13–16, no domain differences were detected. Interviews were broadly consistent with these patterns, describing perceived everyday gains mainly in younger children.
ConclusionMother-reported ratings varied by EI history for selected competencies and by age. Findings support the importance of improving access to EI in Jordan, and structured follow-up supports may be needed into adolescence.