The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a medically centered, interdisciplinary treatment model on adaptive behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Cortica model involves a comprehensive program including behavioral and developmental therapies, overseen by a neurodevelopmental physician. We investigated the research question, how do adaptive behaviors change over time during care at Cortica? We analyzed change in the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition, over the course of Cortica care compared to standard care, represented by longitudinal data from the National Database for Autism Research (NDAR). Using propensity score weights to match cohorts based on baseline functioning, multilevel growth curve models showed significant Cohort × Time interactions for the Adaptive Behavior Composite score and all subscale scores, indicating increased growth in adaptive behavior skills for children in the Cortica cohort relative to NDAR.Results of this study highlight the importance of using adaptive behaviors as a primary outcome in clinical research studies.
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