Peer Relationships in Children with Williams Syndrome: Parent and Teacher Insights

Gillooly, A.E.; Riby, D.M.; Durkin, K.; Rhodes, S.M.

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.

Citation

Gillooly, A., Riby, D., Durkin, K., & Rhodes, S. (2021). Peer Relationships in Children with Williams Syndrome: Parent and Teacher Insights. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(1), 169-178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04503-6

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 8, 2020
• Online Publication Date: May 12, 2020
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Deposit Date: Apr 8, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: May 12, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Print ISSN: 0162-3257
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-3432
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 51
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 169-178
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04503-6
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1273644