Out-of-school participation patterns in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined differences in out-of-school activity participation between typically developing children and those with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASD).


METHODS
Children with HFASD, ages 6 to 12 (N = 52), and a control group (N = 53) were assessed using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and the Social Responsiveness Scale.


RESULTS
Significant differences were seen in participation between typical and HFASD groups in number of activities in which children participate, the numbers of individuals with whom they participate, and the variety of environments in which they participate.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that out-of-school participation is significantly different for children with HFASD than for typically developing peers. Findings suggest that social impairment is related to some aspects of participation and that addressing social skills in intervention could contribute to increased participation in out-of-school activities by children with HFASD, which would contribute to their long-term mental and physical health.
Hilton
Claudia List
CL
Social Development Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 18 S. Kingshighway Blvd., Ste. L-100, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA. hiltonc@psychiatry.wustl.edu
Crouch
Mary Catherine
MC
Israel
Heidi
H
D020817:Asperger Syndrome; D001321:Autistic Disorder; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment