Social Functioning Profiles in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China: A Preliminary Identification of Subtypes

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit considerable heterogeneity in social functioning, suggesting the existence of distinct latent subtypes. A total of 479 Chinese children diagnosed with ASD (Mage = 9.338 years) were assessed using the Mandarin translation of the Stanford Social Dimensions Scale (SSDS). This measure aims to better comprehend individual differences in key social dimensions in ASD. Using the latent profile analysis (LPA) method, four profiles were identified and named based on their characteristics, and differences among the profiles were validated using data from the Full-scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2). The results revealed that (1) the social functioning level of children with ASD can be divided into four profiles: Risky, Apathetic, Active but Awkward, and Advantageous. (2) Children in the Advantageous profile showed fewer ASD-related symptoms and more prosocial behaviors than those in the other profiles. This study offers preliminary evidence for the heterogeneity of social functioning in children with ASD, serving as a step toward precision-based social interventions and inclusive educational support.