Determinants of adult functional outcome in adolescents receiving special educational assistance

Abstract

Background This study investigates the role of IQ, autistic traits and challenging behaviours in affecting adult outcomes among adolescents who receive special educational assistance. Methods A total of 58 participants were recruited from an ongoing longitudinal study. All received assessments of IQ, behavioural patterns (using the Childhood Behaviour Checklist – CBCL) and autistic traits (using the Social Communication Questionnaire – SCQ) during adolescence and were followed up 6 years later (at a mean age of 22 years) using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO‐DAS II) to assess functional outcome. Results A significant positive relationship was found between CBCL score and WHO‐DAS II score (β = 0.511, P = 0.001). IQ score showed a negative relationship with total WHO‐DAS II score (β = −0.247, P = 0.04). SCQ score was not found to significantly influence total WHO‐DAS II score (β = −0.028, P = 0.84). Conclusions Although the role of global intellectual ability is important, these results stress the highly predictive value of adolescent behaviours on functional outcomes in adult life among young adults receiving special educational assistance.

Predictors of psychotic symptoms among young people with special educational needs

“…Although the absolute differences in PANSS scores were relatively small, the effect of having morbid psychopathology in adolescents is high. 26,27 We have previously shown that functional outcome in this cohort is highly variable and is related to intellectual ability and behavioural difficulties; 28 we did not, however, consider ongoing psychopathology in that report. The findings presented here suggest that this matter merits further attention, as much of the general psychopathology was accounted for by anxiety-and mood-related symptoms, and effective treatments for these symptoms are well established.…”

Therapeutic Riding or Mindfulness: Comparative Effectiveness of Two Recreational Therapy Interventions for Adolescents with Autism

“…Unfortunately, social anxiety in adolescents with ASD can impede adolescent developmental tasks, adaptive behaviors, and independent function in adult life (e.g. forming love relationships, and employment) (McGeowen et al, 2013 ; Picci & Scherf, 2015 ; Taylor & Seltzer, 2012 ). Finding evidence of an effective way, without medication, to address stress in young adults with ASD, will have implications for overall wellness and quality of life (Hong et al, 2016 ; Shattuck et al, 2007 ).…”