title: Contextual Factors Predict Patterns of Change in Functioning over 10 Years Among Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
abstract: In the present study, we jointly employ and integrate variable- and person-centered approaches to identify groups of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who have similar profiles of change over a period of 10 years across three critical domains of functioning: maladaptive behaviors, autism symptoms, and daily living skills. Two distinct developmental profiles were identified. Above and beyond demographic and individual characteristics, aspects of both the educational context (level of inclusion) and the family context (maternal positivity) were found to predict the likelihood of following a positive pattern of change. Implementing evidence-based interventions that target the school and home environments during childhood and adolescence may have lasting impacts on functioning into adulthood for individuals with ASD.
authors: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Tobin Hall 509, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA. awoodman@psych.umass.edu.
authors: Ashley C
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3680-8186
authors: AC
authors: Woodman
authors: Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
authors: Leann E
authors: LE
authors: Smith
authors: Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
authors: Jan S
authors: JS
authors: Greenberg
authors: Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
authors: Marsha R
authors: MR
authors: Mailick
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000066553:Problem Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adulthood; Autism spectrum disorders; Autism symptoms; Daily living skills; Longitudinal; Maladaptive behaviors