Investigation of the underlying factor structures of social interaction impairments in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at autism centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: principal component analysis of the autism treatment evaluation checklists.

Researchers in Ethiopia studied 145 children with autism to better understand their social difficulties. They found that social challenges in autism aren't just one thing - they actually break down into six different patterns: trouble with relationships and showing affection, difficulty understanding emotions, problems with gestures and paying attention, withdrawing from others, resisting certain behaviors, and limited sharing. Understanding these different patterns could help parents and professionals better support children with autism.

This cross-sectional study from Ethiopia analyzed social interaction impairments in 145 children with autism spectrum disorder using the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist. Principal component analysis identified six distinct factor structures underlying social interaction difficulties: challenges in interpersonal relationships and affection (13.4% variance), emotional insensitivity (11.8% variance), poor gesture and attention (10.7% variance), social withdrawal (8.9% variance), behavioral resistance (8.0% variance), and limited sharing (6.8% variance). These six factors collectively explained approximately 60% of the total variance in social interaction impairments, suggesting that autism's social challenges are multidimensional rather than representing a single construct.

Findings suggest social interaction assessments should evaluate multiple dimensions rather than treating social difficulties as a single construct. This multidimensional framework could inform more targeted intervention planning by addressing specific patterns of social impairment rather than applying broad social skills interventions.

Single cross-sectional study from one geographic region limits generalizability. Sample size of 145 is modest for factor analysis. Study type not specified and methodology details are limited in the abstract. No comparison group included.

social interaction impairments are the main feature of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making it a significant area of concern for both the children affected and their families. This study aimed to investigate the underlying factor structures of social interaction impairments in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at autism centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. a cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Various traits of social interaction impairments associated with autism were measured using the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist. A principal component analysis (PCA) employing a varimax rotation was used to identify the underlying factor structures of social interaction impairments. six-factor structures of social interaction impairments were identified: challenges in interpersonal relationships and affection (eigenvalue: 4.99, variance: 13.437%), emotional insensitivity (eigenvalue: 1.714, variance: 11.837), poor gesture and attention (eigenvalue: 1.648, variance: 10.652), social withdrawal (eigenvalue: 1.40, variance: 8.932), behavioral resistance (eigenvalue: 1.270, variance: 8.011), and limited sharing (eigenvalue: 1.044, variance: 6.771).

These factors accounted for approximately 60% of the total variance. the social interaction impairments in autism are multidimensional, presented in six distinct patterns. It is important to consider these patterns when supporting children with autism spectrum disorder.