Diagnostic and Comparative Study in Social Withdrawal Between Autistic and Mentally Retarded Children

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the differences in social withdrawal between autistic and mentally retarded children. A random sample were drawn consisting of 23 autistic children and 23 mentally retarded children aged 8-14 years old with IQ 54-68. The following tests were administered: Goder intelligence test, autistic child scale by Mohammed (2000), and withdrawal Scale for children by Mohammed (2001). The results revealed that autistic children were more withdrawing from social interactions and social situations than mentally retarded children. Besides there were statistically significant differences in the total score of withdrawal between both groups indicating that the autists were more socially withdrawing than their mentally retarded counterparts.