Coping, Competence, and Anxiety: Key Insights from Autistic Adolescents' Real-Life Social Interactions

Individuals who manage challenges effectively often find themselves navigating social situations with greater ease. In our study, we explored how autistic adolescents cope with social interactions, focusing on their perceived competence and the level of anxiety they experience during these activities.

We included 133 participants, consisting of 82 autistic adolescents and 51 neurotypical peers, all aged between 10 and 16 years. Each participant was equipped with a mobile device that prompted them seven times a day over the course of a week. They recorded their activities, their feelings of competence, and their anxiety levels in real time.

To gain deeper insights into how well participants coped with environmental challenges and addressed their growth needs, we utilised the Coping Inventory. This approach allowed us to assess their coping behaviours in a structured manner.

Key Findings

• Autistic adolescents reported feeling more anxious when interacting with adults compared to their neurotypical peers.

• Those who had a harder time coping were also more likely to feel anxious during leisure activities with friends.

• Interestingly, autistic adolescents who were better at coping with challenges often felt less competent in social situations.

• On a positive note, those who successfully met their growth needs tended to have a more favourable view of their social competence.

These findings are not just numbers; they can help practitioners create effective strategies and programs to support autistic adolescents in their social experiences. By focusing on coping behaviours and fostering a positive sense of competence, we can help reduce anxiety and improve their interactions with others. Together, we can make a difference in their social journeys!

Children delight in a game of tag on a sunny day, showcasing the happiness and social competence while navigating social interactions without anxiety.

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Chen, Y.W. R., Ng, D. Y., Tseng, M.-H., Bundy, A., & Cordier, R. (2024). The impact of coping behaviors on perceived competence and social anxiety in the everyday social engagement of autistic adolescents. Autism, 28(5), 1268-1279. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231196773