title: Adaptive response of children and adolescents with autism to the 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila, Italy.
abstract: The literature offers no descriptions of the adaptive outcomes of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) after natural disasters. Aim of this study was to evaluate the adaptive behaviour of participants with ASD followed for 1 year after their exposure to the 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila (Italy) compared with an unexposed peer group with ASD, by administering the Italian form of the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS) at baseline, 6 months and 1 year after the earthquake. Exposed participants declined dramatically in their adaptive behaviour during the first months after the earthquake (p < 0.01 for all VABS dimensions). However, immediate intensive post-disaster intervention allowed children and adolescents with autism showing a trend towards partial recovery of adaptive functioning.
authors: Department of Medicine and Public Health, University of L'Aquila, Coppito Hospital Building Delta 6, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy. marco.valenti@cc.univaq.it
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Valenti
authors: Tiziana
authors: T
authors: Ciprietti
authors: Claudia Di
authors: CD
authors: Egidio
authors: Maura
authors: M
authors: Gabrielli
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Masedu
authors: Anna Rita
authors: AR
authors: Tomassini
authors: Germana
authors: G
authors: Sorge
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D055866:Earthquakes; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology