Investigation of the underlying factor structures of social interaction impairments in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at autism centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: principal component analysis of the autism treatment evaluation checklists.

Introduction: social interaction impairments are the main feature of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making it a significant area of concern for both the children affected and their families. This study aimed to investigate the underlying factor structures of social interaction impairments in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at autism centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Various traits of social interaction impairments associated with autism were measured using the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist. A principal component analysis (PCA) employing a varimax rotation was used to identify the underlying factor structures of social interaction impairments. Results: six-factor structures of social interaction impairments were identified: challenges in interpersonal relationships and affection (eigenvalue: 4.99, variance: 13.437%), emotional insensitivity (eigenvalue: 1.714, variance: 11.837), poor gesture and attention (eigenvalue: 1.648, variance: 10.652), social withdrawal (eigenvalue: 1.40, variance: 8.932), behavioral resistance (eigenvalue: 1.270, variance: 8.011), and limited sharing (eigenvalue: 1.044, variance: 6.771). These factors accounted for approximately 60% of the total variance. Conclusion: the social interaction impairments in autism are multidimensional, presented in six distinct patterns. It is important to consider these patterns when supporting children with autism spectrum disorder.