Abstract
The relationship between adaptive functioning (ability) and autism symptomatology (disability) remains unclear, especially for higher functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study investigates ability and disability using the Vineland and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), respectively, in two clinical samples of children with ASD. Participants included 187 males with VIQ > 70. Vineland scores were substantially below VIQ, highlighting the magnitude of adaptive impairments despite cognitive potential. A weak relationship was found between ability and disability. Negative relationships were found between age and Vineland scores and no relationships were found between age and ADOS scores. Positive relationships were found between IQ and Vineland Communication. Results stress the need for longitudinal studies on ability and disability in ASD and emphasize the importance of adaptive skills intervention.
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Acknowledgments
This project was supported by NIH Research Grant 5-PO1-HD03008-37 funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). We thank all of the families for their time and participation in the clinical and research programs at the Yale Child Study Center, University of Chicago, and University of Michigan.
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Klin, A., Saulnier, C.A., Sparrow, S.S. et al. Social and Communication Abilities and Disabilities in Higher Functioning Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Vineland and the ADOS. J Autism Dev Disord 37, 748–759 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0229-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0229-4