Abstract
This study was conducted to extend the research on adaptive functioning of children, ages 7–12, with high-functioning autism
spectrum disorders (HFASDs; n = 41) using the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II. Specific purposes included examination of (1) the ABAS-II adaptive
profile; (2) relative strengths and weaknesses; and (3) predictors (age, IQ, and ASD symptomatology) of adaptive functioning
for children with HFASDs. Results indicated significant deficits on overall adaptive functioning and all three adaptive composites.
Relative weaknesses were found in the skill areas of social, home living, and self-direction and relative strengths in academics
and community use. Analyses indicated that age and IQ did not predict ABAS-II composites, whereas total ASD symptoms negatively
predicted overall adaptive functioning. Significant inverse correlations were found between the ASD symptoms of restricted
and repetitive behaviors and the ABAS-II social and practical daily living skills composites. No significant correlations
were found between ASD social symptoms and adaptive social skills or between ASD communication symptoms and adaptive language/communication
skills.
spectrum disorders (HFASDs; n = 41) using the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II. Specific purposes included examination of (1) the ABAS-II adaptive
profile; (2) relative strengths and weaknesses; and (3) predictors (age, IQ, and ASD symptomatology) of adaptive functioning
for children with HFASDs. Results indicated significant deficits on overall adaptive functioning and all three adaptive composites.
Relative weaknesses were found in the skill areas of social, home living, and self-direction and relative strengths in academics
and community use. Analyses indicated that age and IQ did not predict ABAS-II composites, whereas total ASD symptoms negatively
predicted overall adaptive functioning. Significant inverse correlations were found between the ASD symptoms of restricted
and repetitive behaviors and the ABAS-II social and practical daily living skills composites. No significant correlations
were found between ASD social symptoms and adaptive social skills or between ASD communication symptoms and adaptive language/communication
skills.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10882-012-9277-1
- Authors
- Christopher Lopata, Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA
- Jeffery D. Fox, Autistic Services Inc., 4444 Bryant Stratton Way, Williamsville, NY 14221, USA
- Marcus L. Thomeer, Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA
- Rachael A. Smith, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-1000, USA
- Martin A. Volker, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-1000, USA
- Courtney M. Kessel, Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA
- Christin A. McDonald, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-1000, USA
- Gloria K. Lee, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-1000, USA
- Journal Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
- Online ISSN 1573-3580
- Print ISSN 1056-263X