title: The relationship between autistic symptomatology and independent living skills in adolescents and young adults with fragile X syndrome.
abstract: Few studies have examined the relationship between autistic symptomatology and competence in independent living skills in adolescents and young adults with fragile X syndrome (FXS). In this study, 70 individuals with FXS, aged 15-25 years, and 35 matched controls were administered direct measures of independent living skills and autistic symptomatology. Results showed that higher levels of autistic symptomatology were associated with lower levels of competence in independent living skills in individuals with FXS, but not in controls. These data indicated that the relationship between autistic symptomatology and independent living skills was syndrome-specific. Early intervention strategies that address autistic symptomatology are sorely needed to improve functional outcomes in this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research (CIBSR), Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA, khustyi@stanford.edu.
authors.forename: Kristin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Hustyi
authors.forename: Scott S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Eve-Marie
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Quintin
authors.forename: Lindsay C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Chromik
authors.forename: Amy A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Lightbody
authors.forename: Allan L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Reiss
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult