‘Too withdrawn’ or ‘too friendly’: considering social vulnerability in two neuro-developmental disorders

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  2. Dr Deborah Riby
Author(s)Jawaid A, Riby DM, Owens J, White SW, Tarar T, Schulz PE
Publication type Article
JournalJournal of Intellectual Disability Research
Year2012
Volume56
Issue4
Pages335-350
ISSN (print)0964-2633
ISSN (electronic)1365-2788
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In some neuro-developmental disorders, the combined effect of intellectual disability and atypicalities of social cognition may put individuals at increased vulnerability in their social environment. The neuro-developmental disorders Williams syndrome, characterised by ‘hypersociability’, and autism spectrum disorders, characterised by ‘social withdrawal’, are at two extremes of atypical social functioning in humans. In this article, we use Williams syndrome and autism spectrum disorders as exemplars to demonstrate how atypicalities of social cognition may contribute to social vulnerability in these populations. The lives of individuals with both these disorders are marred by an increased risk of social isolation, bullying, unsteady relationships, employment difficulties and abuse. While different behavioural interventions have been tried to improve social functioning in these populations, there has been great variability in their success. Finally, we discuss different issues regarding social independence of these individuals; including employment, safety and decision making.
PublisherWiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
URLhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2011.01452.x
DOI10.1111/j.1365-2788.2011.01452.x
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