Autism spectrum disorders
comprise a range
of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in
social interaction and communication, and by repetitive
behaviour.
First, the present study affirmed that positive youth development is
comprised of fifteen inter-related constructs, namely, bonding,
social competence, emotional competence, cognitive competence, behavioural competence, moral competence, self - efficacy, prosocial norms, resilience, self - determination, spirituality, clear and positive identity, beliefs in the future, prosocial involvement, and recognition for positive
behaviour (Catalano et al. 2004), with beliefs in the future having the strongest influence on positive youth development, followed by spirituality (Fig. 6).