학술논문

Contextual Factors Predict Patterns of Change in Functioning over 10 Years among Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Document Type
Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Source
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Jan 2016 46(1):176-189.
Subject
Autism
Adults
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Intervention
Evidence Based Practice
Context Effect
Educational Environment
Family Environment
Prediction
Profiles
Individual Characteristics
Behavior Problems
Behavior Change
Symptoms (Individual Disorders)
Daily Living Skills
Adjustment (to Environment)
Identification
Outcomes of Treatment
Language
English
ISSN
0162-3257
Abstract
In the present study, we jointly employ and integrate variable- and person-centered approaches to identify groups of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who have similar profiles of change over a period of 10 years across three critical domains of functioning: maladaptive behaviors, autism symptoms, and daily living skills. Two distinct developmental profiles were identified. Above and beyond demographic and individual characteristics, aspects of both the educational context (level of inclusion) and the family context (maternal positivity) were found to predict the likelihood of following a positive pattern of change. Implementing evidence-based interventions that target the school and home environments during childhood and adolescence may have lasting impacts on functioning into adulthood for individuals with ASD.