Trajectories of internalizing and externalizing symptoms among adults with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience higher rates of psychopathology than their typically developing peers or peers with other intellectual or developmental disabilities. Little is known about the developmental course of psychiatric symptoms such as internalizing and externalizing behaviors in this population. Individual characteristics and aspects of the family environment may explain variability in outcomes for adults with ASD. The present study extends our current understanding of psychopathology among individuals with ASD by examining group-based trajectories of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in adulthood. Overall, the results showed that symptoms became less severe over time. Distinct patterns of change in psychopathology were observed and associated with differential profiles of psychotropic medication use, comorbid mental health diagnoses, and residential placement. The likelihood of following each developmental trajectory was estimated based on characteristics of the adults with ASD (gender, adaptive behavior, and autistic symptoms) and maternal expressed emotion (criticism and warmth). Maternal criticism and warmth were identified as key risk and protective factors, respectively, with important implications for future research and intervention for individuals with ASD.

Low neurodevelopmental performance and behavioural/emotional problems at 24 and 48 months in Brazilian children exposed to acetaminophen during foetal development

“…The presence of these symptoms in childhood and adolescence increases the risk of psychiatric diagnoses in adulthood . Internalising symptoms include anxiety, sadness, social withdrawal, and fearfulness while externalising symptoms include overactivity, poor impulse control, noncompliance, and aggression . In our study, we did not find evidence corroborating a risk effect of acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy on internalising or externalising problems.…”

Contextual Factors Predict Patterns of Change in Functioning over 10 Years Among Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Since expressed emotion is measured through parent narrative, this method reduces reliance on parent self-report that may lead to shared variance biases. Researchers have explored links between the components of expressed emotion and outcomes for individuals with ASD (Greenberg et al 2006; Smith et al 2008; Woodman et al under review). …”

Engagement in Vocational Activities Promotes Behavioral Development for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…However, our ongoing research (Shattuck et al 2007; Smith et al 2012; Taylor and Seltzer 2010; Woodman et al, under review) has revealed significant individual differences in patterns of behavioral change during adolescence and adulthood. In terms of autism symptoms, for example, the percentage of adults with ASD who improved over a 4.5-year period was in part a function of the type of symptom being examined, ranging from only 26 % for nonverbal communication to 59 % for repetitive behaviors (Shattuck et al 2007).…”