Abstract
This study was conducted to extend the research on adaptive functioning of children, ages 7–12, with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASDs; n = 41) using the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II. Specific purposes included examination of (1) the ABAS-II adaptive profile; (2) relative strengths and weaknesses; and (3) predictors (age, IQ, and ASD symptomatology) of adaptive functioning for children with HFASDs. Results indicated significant deficits on overall adaptive functioning and all three adaptive composites. Relative weaknesses were found in the skill areas of social, home living, and self-direction and relative strengths in academics and community use. Analyses indicated that age and IQ did not predict ABAS-II composites, whereas total ASD symptoms negatively predicted overall adaptive functioning. Significant inverse correlations were found between the ASD symptoms of restricted and repetitive behaviors and the ABAS-II social and practical daily living skills composites. No significant correlations were found between ASD social symptoms and adaptive social skills or between ASD communication symptoms and adaptive language/communication skills.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.), text revision. Washington, DC: Author.
Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Fenton, G., D’Ardia, C., Valente, D., Vecchio, I. D., Fabrizi, A., & Bernabei, P. (2003). Vineland adaptive behavior profiles in children with autism and moderate to severe developmental delay. Autism, 7(3), 269–287.
Harrison, P. L., & Oakland, T. (2003). Adaptive behavior assessment system (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services.
Kanne, S. M., Gerber, A. J., Quirmbach, L. M., Sparrow, S. S., Cicchetti, D. V., & Saulnier, C. A. (2011). The role of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorders: Implications for functional outcome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(8), 1007–1018. doi:10.1007/s10803-010-1126-4.
Kenworthy, L., Case, L., Harms, M. B., Martin, A., & Wallace, G. L. (2010). Adaptive behavior ratings correlate with symptomatology and IQ among individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40, 416–423.
Klin, A., & Volkmar, F. R. (2000). Treatment and intervention guidelines for individuals with Aspergers syndrome. In A. Klin, F. R. Volkmar, & S. S. Sparrow (Eds.), Asperger syndrome (pp. 340–366). New York: Guilford.
Klin, A., McPartland, J., & Volkmar, F. R. (2005). Asperger syndrome. In F. R. Volkmar, R. Paul, A. Klin, & D. Cohen (Eds.), Handbook of autism and pervasive developmental disorders: Vol 1. Diagnosis, development, neurobiology, and behavior (3rd ed., pp. 88–125). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Klin, A., Saulnier, C. A., Sparrow, S. S., Cicchetti, D. V., Volkmar, F. R., & Lord, C. (2007). Social and communication abilities and disabilities in higher functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorders: The Vineland and the ADOS. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 748–759.
Liss, M., Harel, B., Fein, D., Allen, D., Dunn, M., Feinstein, C., et al. (2001). Predictors and correlates of adaptive functioning in children with developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(2), 219–230.
Macintosh, K., & Dissanayake, C. (2006). Social skills and problem behaviors in school aged children with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36, 1065–1076.
Perry, A., Flanagan, H. E., Geier, J. D., & Freeman, N. L. (2009). Brief report: The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales in young children with autism spectrum disorders at different cognitive levels. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39, 1066–1078.
Portway, S. M., & Johnson, B. (2005). Do you know I have Asperger’s syndrome? Risks of a non-obvious disability. Health, Risk and Society, 7(1), 73–83.
Rutter, M., LeCouteur, A., & Lord, C. (2003). Autism diagnostic interview-revised. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services.
Saulnier, C. A., & Klin, A. (2007). Brief report: Social and communication abilities and disabilities in higher-functioning individuals with autism and Asperger syndrome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 788–793.
Shattuck, P. T., Wagner, M., Narendorf, S., Sterzing, P., & Hensley, M. (2011). Post-high school service use among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 165(2), 141–146.
Sparrow, S. S., Balla, D. A., & Cicchetti, D. V. (1984). Vineland adaptive behavior scales (Expanded Form). Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.
Stone, W. L., Ousley, O. Y., Hepburn, S. L., Hogan, K. L., & Brown, C. S. (1999). Patterns of adaptive behavior in very young children with autism. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 104(2), 187–199.
Tellegen, A., & Briggs, P. F. (1967). Old wine in new skins: Grouping Wechsler subtests into new scales. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 31, 499–506.
Volker, M. A., Lopata, C., Smerbeck, A. M., Knoll, V., Thomeer, M. L., Toomey, J. A., et al. (2010). BASC-2 PRS profiles for students with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40, 188–199. doi:10.1007/s10803-009-0849-6.
Wechsler, D. (2003). Wechsler intelligence scale for children (4th ed.). San Antonio, TX: The Psychological Corporation.
Funding Acknowledgement
A portion of the data in this study was collected as part of work supported by Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences Grant R324A080136. Findings and conclusions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agency.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lopata, C., Fox, J.D., Thomeer, M.L. et al. ABAS-II Ratings and Correlates of Adaptive Behavior in Children with HFASDs. J Dev Phys Disabil 24, 391–402 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-012-9277-1
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-012-9277-1