Title | Adaptive Behavior in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Flexibility. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2020 |
Authors | Bertollo, JR, Strang, JF, Anthony, LG, Kenworthy, L, Wallace, GL, Yerys, BE |
Journal | J Autism Dev Disord |
Volume | 50 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 42-50 |
Date Published | 2020 Jan |
ISSN | 1573-3432 |
Keywords | Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Socialization |
Abstract | Cognitive and behavioral flexibility are important predictors of adaptive behavior in school-age autistic youth. While prior research has utilized broad measures of flexibility, the current study uses the multi-dimensional Flexibility Scale-Revised to examine which specific flexibility skills relate to adaptive functioning. Through parent-report measures on 216 autistic youth, flexibility explained 22.2% of variance in adaptive socialization skills (p < 0.001). Specifically, Social Flexibility accounted for significant variance in adaptive socialization skills, while Transitions/Change approached significance. In exploratory analyses, flexibility explained 11.5% of variance in Communication skills (p < 0.001). This pattern remained after controlling for co-occurring ADHD symptoms. The current study helps to refine the relationship between flexibility and adaptive behavior, which may ultimately help to inform more targeted interventions. |
DOI | 10.1007/s10803-019-04220-9 |
Alternate Journal | J Autism Dev Disord |
PubMed ID | 31520244 |
Grant List | P30HD026979 / / National Institute for Health / N/A / / Philadelphia Foundation (US) / P30H0040677 / / Isadore and Bertha Gudelsky Family Foundation (US) / SAP # 4100047863 / / Pennsylvania State Department of Health / R21MH092615 / / National Institute for Health / #6672 / / Robert Wood Johnson Foundation / RC1MH088791 / / National Institute for Health / R21 MH092615 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States SAP #4100042728 / / Pennsylvania State Department of Health / K23 MH086111 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States K23MH086111 / / National Institute for Health / |