The relationship between comorbid psychopathologies, autism, and social skill deficits in young children

•The relationship of ASD, co-occurring behavior problems, and symptoms of psychopathology to social skill deficits was explored.•More severe ASD symptomology was predictive of social skill deficits.•Various forms of emotional distress (i.e., tantrums, inattention/impulsivity) were associated with greater social deficits.

Social skills are important for both social development and integration. However, few studies have looked at these behaviors in the context of severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms and comorbid psychopathology in young children. Three hundred twenty eight infants and toddlers between 18 and 36 months of age diagnosed with ASD were studied. More severe symptoms of ASD and various forms of emotional distress such as tantrums and inattention/impulsivity were associated with greater difficulties in social behavior.