Asnake, Mulat (PhD)Abiy, Roman2020-11-042023-11-182020-11-042023-11-182019-12http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/23016This study was conducted to find out personal and interpersonal functioning of children with autism in Joy center. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to collect and analyze the collected data. Accordingly, in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants 59 autistic children were part of the quantitative data collection. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used, and data was collected using self-administered questionnaire, in-depth interview guide and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale – III. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and narrative analysis techniques. The study started by investigating relevant theories on autisms. The study used the theory of mind and theory of executive dysfunction, and both theories validated the findings of the study. The study found out that Joy Center uses intervention therapies and it was also found that functioning of children in personal subdomain is significantly different across the stage. It was further found out that the mean functioning of at least one age group is different from the other. The study also reported that functioning in personal and interpersonal subdomains of children across different age group were significantly different between all age group except between some age group. Other results show that the children were performing more if they join intervention between 6-10 age groups. The mean functioning in interpersonal subdomain was not significantly different across different age group of starting intervention. In general, it would be better if parents send their children to autism centers at an early age, and the treatment would be more effective if they are treated by professional psychologist. The problem of Autism could be addressed effectively if more autistic centers are opened.enEducationThesis