Authors: Nicole L Matthews Christopher J Smith Elena Pollard Sharman OberReynolds Janet Kirwan Amanda Malligo
Publish Date: 2015/03/03
Volume: 45, Issue: 8, Pages: 2349-2360
Abstract
There is a dearth of research regarding adaptive functioning during the transition to adulthood in autism spectrum disorder ASD Profiles on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales Second Edition were examined by age and intellectual ability in 75 participants with ASD 16–58 years Results extend previous reports of a cognitive advantage over adaptive functioning in children by demonstrating a similar pattern in an older sample Daily living skills were a relative strength compared to communication and socialization in adults but not adolescents In general highest subdomain scores were observed in writing skills and lowest scores were observed in interpersonal skills Regardless of cognitive ability all standard scores were well below average indicating a need for lifelong intervention that targets adaptive functioningWe thank Autism Speaks for financial support of this project We gratefully acknowledge the contributions made by Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center research staff to data collection and coding We also thank the families who participated in this study
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