Image characteristics of a child with autistic spectrum disorder in representatives of the immediate social surrounding

Abstract

The article demonstrates the insufficiently studied differences in the notions of behavioral manifestations in children suffering from autistic spectrum disorder among representatives of their immediate social surrounding, i.e. parents, psychologists and educators. We used methods of structured observation (D. Stott’s observation chart), semi-structured interview (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale) and a communicative capabilities diagnostic technique adapted by S.E. Gaidukevich, V. Geisler, F. Gotan). It has been established that parents tend to underestimate the symptom-load of dysfunctional behavior in their children compared to the assessments of these disorders by psychologists and educators. We also established that parents assess the development of most adaptive skills in their children higher than psychologists and educators. The study revealed that there is a low degree of consistency in the assessment of communicative abilities of children with autistic spectrum disorder by parents, educators and psychologists. The obtained data allows us to recommend the introduction of the necessary stage in the organization of psychologist’s training for work with a family raising a child with ASD: self-reflection of one’s own position in assessing behavioral manifestations, as well as coordination of ideas about symptoms of behavioral disorders in the process of planning and conducting developmental work.