Quality of Life of Adults with Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to observe quality of life (QoL) and global evolution of persons with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) in three different groups. Individualized programs for PDD were compared to traditional programs for intellectual disabilities. Behavioural disorders were repeatedly evaluated using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) and QoL once a year. Little research has investigated this domain due to methodological problems with a non-verbal population. Two preliminary studies of individualized programs showed a significant reduction in behaviour disorders over the course of the study. The recent inclusion of a control group indicates that a traditional program reduces lethargy/ social withdrawal (ABC factor 2). A good QoL was measured for the three groups.

Factors Associated with Subjective Quality of Life of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Self-Report Versus Maternal Reports

“…There is a growing body of research on the relationship between the subjective QoL of individuals with ASD and their behavioral profiles, including autism symptoms, behavior problems, and adaptive behavior. In general, autism symptoms and behavior problems have been found to be negatively associated with subjective QoL in children with ASD as rated by their parents, indicating that greater behavioral impairment is associated with poorer subjective QoL (de Vries and Geurts 2015; Gerber et al 2008; Ikeda et al 2014; Kuhlthau et al 2010). Further, specific subdomains of subjective QoL have been associated with relevant subscales of autism traits.…”

Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome: Validity and Suggestions for Use in Minimally Verbal Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Despite intervention, up to 30% of individuals with ASD remain nonverbal or minimally verbal (Tager-Flusberg et al 2005). These minimally verbal children are at increased risk of adverse outcomes later in life, including increased social withdrawal and poorer quality of life (Anderson et al 2011; Gerber et al 2008). Unfortunately, minimally verbal children are often excluded from language studies due to difficulties in assessing this population with available instruments (Kasari et al 2013).…”

Impact of an implicit social skills training group in children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability: A before-and-after study

“…However, these subjects also present with notable difficulties in their social skills, manifested by trouble with interactions and communication [8,10–12]. These difficulties affect their autonomy and quality of life [13,14] and increase their social anxiety, which then contributes to worsening social deficiencies and isolation [15] and explain why care is also necessary [8,11]. Of the therapeutic strategies proposed for this population, social skills training groups [11] are treatments recommended by the French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de Santé, HAS) (2010 Report on Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders [6]].…”