Toward the identification of adaptive functioning intervention targets for intellectually‐able, transition‐aged youth with autism: An examination of caregiver responses on the Vineland‐II

Abstract

Adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability demonstrated impaired adaptive functioning skills (i.e., age appropriate skills necessary for independent living). Development of adaptive functioning skills appears to slow with age among individuals without intellectual disability. Findings clarify the specific adaptive functioning skills that transition-aged youth with ASD have difficulty completing independently and will inform the development of interventions to increase the likelihood of independent living in adulthood.

A mixed-methods examination of the gap between intelligence and adaptive functioning in autistic young adults without intellectual disability

“…Quantitative findings indicate that participants’ IQ scores were well within the average range; however, scores for all three AF domains trailed IQ by more than 20 points, a statistically and clinically significant difference. IQ and AF profiles of the current sample are consistent with previous research (Kraper et al, 2017; Matthews et al, 2017; Matthews, Smith, et al, 2015), which lends support to the trustworthiness and generalizability of the qualitative findings. Qualitative findings yielded a conceptual model that describes the nature and development of AF in autistic young adults without ID, including the core conceptual category, Living Interdependently , and four main conceptual categories: Illuminating the Complexity of AF, Learning How to Live as an Adult, Balancing Helpful and Harmful Parent Involvement , and Overcoming Obstacles to Autonomy .…”

“…Despite overwhelming evidence that autistic adults face AF challenges, few evidence-based AF curricula exist for transition-aged youth and adults (Oswald et al, 2018). To date, research on AF in autistic adults primarily consists of quantitative analysis of caregiver-report measures, with findings focused on standard scores in various AF domains (Kraper et al, 2017; Matthews et al, 2017; Matthews, Smith, et al, 2015). Although valuable, these studies obscure information about specific AF strengths and challenges and factors that may influence the development of AF skills.…”

“…Research has consistently documented a disadvantage in AF relative to intellectual functioning among individuals on the autism spectrum without intellectual disability (ID). This gap appears to increase with age, which suggests that AF development does not keep pace with cognitive development (Kanne et al, 2011; Kraper et al, 2017; Matthews et al, 2017; Matthews, Pollard, et al, 2015; Matthews, Smith, et al, 2015; Perry et al, 2009). AF challenges experienced by autistic 1 young adults likely contribute to high rates of unemployment or underemployment and low rates of residential independence (see Kirby, 2016 for a review).…”