Selecting Computer-Mediated Interventions to Support the Social and Emotional Development of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Core Difficulties Associated With Asd

ASD is defined by social difficulties and “restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals with ASD often experience difficulties communicating with others and developing relationships. They may attend to people in different ways than typically developing individuals do (Ploog, 2010); for example, they may look less at eyes and faces while interacting (Speer, Cook, McMahon, & Clark, 2007). People with ASD may struggle with recognizing faces, understanding their own and others’ more complex emotions (such as pride or jealousy), and regulating their own emotions (Chamak, Bonniau, Jaunay, & Cohen, 2008). Some difficulties in responding to others’ faces and emotions may arise from unusual perceptual experiences associated with ASD, such as enhanced or atypical attention to details (Behrmann et al., 2006; Ploog, 2010). People with ASD are often interested in connecting with others but do not always know how to do so, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression (Jones et al., 2003).