Social Skills Deficits of Students with Autism in Inclusive Schools

This research was twofold: (a) to sample the incidence of autism among students in kindergarten, primary and secondary levels (b) to identify the most frequently occurring social skills deficits among autisms at each of the grade levels. Survey research was used and the data were collected from teachers of 145 autistic students in inclusive schools. The research tool was a social skill survey form, covering three aspects of social skills, (a) self control, (b) communication with others, and (c) playing and working with others. The questions at the early childhood level totaled 38 items, at primary level 70 items and at secondary 67 items. Research found that most autistic students in inclusive schools were boys (78.62%).The most frequently observed deficits in social skills of autistic children at each grade levels were Not sharing toys/articles that they are interested in, Not able to play a role in a story with beginning, progression, and ending and Doing activities or playing alone during leisure time or at lunch time.