Browsing by Author "Fenwick, Melanie"

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    Exploring Social Cognition as a Risk Factor for Peer Victimization for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    (2016) Fenwick, Melanie; McCrimmon, Adam; Brandon, James; Drefs, Michelle
    In light of striking prevalence rates and adverse effects of bullying on interpersonal, psychological, and academic functioning, this study investigated a potentially influential risk factor, social cognition, for peer victimization of the uniquely at-risk population of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Two of the most common constructs that comprise social cognition include Theory of Mind (ToM) and Emotional Intelligence (EI). Forty-five students with High Functioning ASD (HFASD) completed measures assessing ToM, EI, and the prevalence and frequency of Bullying. Parent-report was also provided for the measure of bullying. According to student-report, verbal bullying was endorsed most (26.7%), followed by physical (17.8%) and social (15.6%) forms of bullying, while social bullying of student participants was endorsed most by parents (57.8%), followed by verbal (55.6%) and disability (35.6%) forms of bullying. Results indicated that neither ToM or EI predicted the prevalence or frequency of peer victimization for students with HFASD. Research efforts should continue to explore relevant risk factors for students with HFASD to inform policy and program development to effectively support this vulnerable group of students.