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Adaptive Behavior and Developmental Level in Preschool Children Referred for Possible Autism Spectrum Disorder
Last modified: 2014-04-03
Abstract
A comprehensive evaluation of adaptive and cognitive functioning is very useful in making a reliable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Objectives: 1. To explore the relationship between adaptive behavior, developmental level and autistic symptom severity in a group of children referred for possible ASD evaluation; 2. To evaluate the existence of a specific adaptive behavior performance profile for children with ASDin comparisonto other developmental disorders.
Methods: Sixty children (age range: 24 to 62 months) were assessed for autistic symptoms, intellectual functioning, and adaptive behavior. Diagnosis of autism was based on DSM-IV criteria, developmental and medical history, and the results of direct assessment and parental interview.
Results: No significant differences were found between the ASD and the non-autistic developmental disorder groups in sex or chronological age. Children on the ASD group showed a significantly lower Visual Reception Mullen Score. On the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales there were no differences in the Daily Living or Motor Skills standard scores; however children on the ASD group performed significantly lower on the Socialization and Communication scores. A differential adaptive behavior performance profile was seen on the ASD group in which Motor Skills > Daily Living Skills > Socialization > Communication different from the adaptive behavior profile from the non-autistic developmental disorder group: Socialization > Motor Skills > Daily Living Skills > Communication.
Conclusions: Significant adaptive deficits, with a characteristic profile, were observed in ASD in comparison with peers with non-autistic developmental disorders (even when matched for cognitive level).
Objectives: 1. To explore the relationship between adaptive behavior, developmental level and autistic symptom severity in a group of children referred for possible ASD evaluation; 2. To evaluate the existence of a specific adaptive behavior performance profile for children with ASDin comparisonto other developmental disorders.
Methods: Sixty children (age range: 24 to 62 months) were assessed for autistic symptoms, intellectual functioning, and adaptive behavior. Diagnosis of autism was based on DSM-IV criteria, developmental and medical history, and the results of direct assessment and parental interview.
Results: No significant differences were found between the ASD and the non-autistic developmental disorder groups in sex or chronological age. Children on the ASD group showed a significantly lower Visual Reception Mullen Score. On the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales there were no differences in the Daily Living or Motor Skills standard scores; however children on the ASD group performed significantly lower on the Socialization and Communication scores. A differential adaptive behavior performance profile was seen on the ASD group in which Motor Skills > Daily Living Skills > Socialization > Communication different from the adaptive behavior profile from the non-autistic developmental disorder group: Socialization > Motor Skills > Daily Living Skills > Communication.
Conclusions: Significant adaptive deficits, with a characteristic profile, were observed in ASD in comparison with peers with non-autistic developmental disorders (even when matched for cognitive level).
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder
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